McJoe Arroyo of Puerto Rico captured the IBF super flyweight title by beating Arthur Villanueva of the Philippines in a 10th round technical decision at the Don Haskins Convention Center in El Paso, Texas Saturday night (Sunday in Manila). Referee Rafael Ramos stopped the fight upon the recommendation of the ring physician with the huge cut of Villanueva above his right eye that he sustained in the 6th round in an accidental clash of heads. As the bout went to the scorecards, Arroyo won by scores of 97-92, 98-91 and 98-91.
The fight appeared to be closer than the judges' scorecards as Villanueva was the busier fighter all throughout although Arroyo landed the more accurate but lesser punches in a tactical fight. Earlier in round six, before Villanueva was cut, the referee deducted a point against Villanueva for intentional headbutt.
Arroyo is now 17 and 0 with 8 knockouts while Villanueva suffered his first defeat and dropped to 27 and 1.
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