Yudel Jhonson (17-1, 19 KOs) made the short trip from Cuba to Florida to meet Jorge Cota (24-1, 22 KOs) of Mexico in a Super Welterweight fight scheduled for 10 rounds.
Jhonson entered the ring with gladiator type apparel that would have made Hector Camacho proud, while Cota was more conservative with purple shorts and silver trim.
It was not a battle of fashions as much as it was opposing styles; however, the southpaw Cuban and Mexican right hander exchanged hard shots throughout the opening round to the delight of those in attendance.
It was an entertaining if frequently wild scrap throughout as each exchanged the role as aggressor.
After being warned for holding and hitting, Jhonson was penalized a point for the infraction in the sixth round.
In the eight round, they continued to land bombs on each other until one of them, Jhonson, finally got clipped by a shot that put him down, albeit briefly.
Cota scored another knockdown in the ninth and, by the end of the round, had the wounded Jhonson holding onto the sweet relief of the bell. ending the rough stanza.
Both fighters let it all hang out and were willing to go out on their shield if need be, though the final bell saved either from that particular outcome.
The judges scored the fight in favor of Cota, with scores of 91-96, 92-95, and 91-96.
