Nicholas Walters remains undefeated after beating Miguel Marriaga on points
Monday 15 June 2015 14:20, UK
Nicholas Walters remains unbeaten but his win over Miguel Marriaga means the WBA featherweight world title remains vacant.
The Axeman put the challenger down in the ninth and won a comfortable unanimous decision with scores of 118-109, 117-110 and 119-108.
Walters though failed to make weight before the Madison Square Garden showdown and was stripped of the belt meaning only Marriaga could have walked away with the title.
The Colombian gave it his all but was outclassed and blamed the one-sided fight on the weight issue.
He hit me with a lot of head-butts and low blows. But I thought I won every round
"I got tired at the end," said Marriaga.
"He's very strong for a fighter his size. I felt like I was fighting a welterweight."
Walters, who got better as the fight went on, is now likely to move up to super-featherweight.
The fight exploded into life in the eighth when a straight right wobbled Marriaga. Another right in the ninth had him down, although he stumbled backwards before hitting the canvas.
Marriaga had no trouble making the count and although he tried to fight his way back in, Walters' solid jab and that right-hand kept him in control until the final bell.
"He is a rugged guy," Walters said.
"He hit me with a lot of head-butts and low blows. But I thought I won every round."
