Sunday 20 May 2018 07:20, UK
Gary Russell Jr won a unanimous decision over Joseph Diaz to make the third successive defence of his WBC featherweight world title in Maryland.
Russell Jr showed scintillating hand speed throughout but was pushed all the way by mandatory challenger and fellow former Olympian Diaz.
Scores of 115-113 and 117-111 twice ensured that the coveted green and gold belt was staying with the slick southpaw, ending Diaz's unbeaten streak in the paid ranks.
The Californian 25-year-old did have moments of success early on, especially to the body, and seemed to have Russell Jr in trouble, but the champion rallied and came on strong to dominate the second half of the fight.
Speaking afterwards, Russell Jr said: "I hurt my right hand in the second or third round, so we had to make the adjustments.
"He couldn't get past my jab. When he got close, we made sure to smother him. Then we reset and got back on the stick.
"We want a unification. We want to unify this division, or we're moving up in weight for another title. I want another belt."
