By CompuBox

Undefeated Demetrius Andrade wins Jack Culcay's WBA "world" title in Germany with a split decision that should have been unanimous. This was a fight in three parts. Andrade dominated the first five (79-29 overall, 14-1 jabs, 65-28 power) by averaging 69.4 punches per round to Culcay's 30.8.

In rounds 6-9, when Andrade's attack became more ragged, Culcay cut into Andrade's leads overall (68-54) and jabs (26-7) but led 45-42 power and picked up his work rate considerably (from 30.8 to 51.5). Though Andrade was working harder too (84.8 in rounds 6-9), the perception game worked against him.

Andrade sewed up the fight in the last three rounds by first switching to righty (32 of 84 overall, 19 of 60 jabs), then going into the trenches as a southpaw and attacking the body in the final two rounds. In 10-12 Andrade averaged 89 per round to Culcay's 70, led 99-48 overall, 26-4 jabs and 73-44 power and prevailed 45-19 in body connects. Scoring: 116-112 Andrade (2x), 115-114 Culcay (absurd).

Demetrius Andrade defeated Jack Culcay by split decision to take the Ecuadorian-born German's WBA super welterweight title on Saturday.

The unbeaten American started well but allowed Culcay to grow in confidence before recovering to convince two of the judges to score it 116-112 in his favor. The other had it 115-114 for Culcay.

Andrade had only fought three times since winning the vacant WBO super welterweight belt by split decision over Vanes Martirosyan in November 2013 and he was perhaps hindered by his lack of activity against Culcay, whom he had already beaten as an amateur.

Andrade, who slipped in the fourth round, was unable to assert control despite his superior height and reach in the face of a resilient opponent.

The southpaw displayed good movement in the final rounds and Culcay was forced to go all-out in the final minute. Though Andrade was wobbling, it was too late to retain his belt.

Andrade improved to 24-0 with 16 KOs, while Culcay dropped 22-2 (11 KOs).