Australian-based Filipino bantamweight Robert ?Hands of Stone? Lerio (14-14-1, 5 KOs) outscored Jason Cooper (2-1-1, 2 KOs) via split decision in ten rounds to capture the vacant Australian bantamweight title on Saturday at the Norths Rugby Leagues Club at Kallangur, Queensland, Australia. Scores 96-94, 96-95, 94-97. Lerio had previously held the title back in 2008 when he defeated Mark Quon, but lost the belt in 2009 to Fred Mundraby. He is trained by former Manny Pacquiao opponent and former Australian champion,Tod Makelim.
Also light welterweight Ty Gilchrist (5-0-1, 2 KOs) boxed a draw with Kyle Teer (2-4-1, 1 KO) over eight rounds. Scores were 76-76, 79-75, 76-77. In other light welterweight action, Jezze Carrasco stopped John Duffy at 1:12 of round one. At a catchweight Luke Howlet, 141 lbs, boxed a draw over four with Nicholas Reiter, 151 lbs. Scores were 38-38, 39-37, 37-39.
