By David "Los Gatos" Rosenberg

Mallory Square, Key West, Florida - Junior middleweight Denis Doughlin (14-1, 8KOs) won a close eight round split decision over previously undefeated puncher Steven Martinez (11-1, 9KOs). The scores were 77-75 for Doughlin, 77-75 for Martinez and 77-75 for Doughlin.

The action was close, competitive and fought at a good pace. Doughlin started off good in the first, but Martinez landed a hard right hand in the second to rock Doughlin's knees and got his respect very quickly. The tide of the fight would swing back and forth. Martinez doing very little to the body. Most of his punches were straight to the head and he pushed Doughlin back in most rounds. For his part, Doughlin was faster, moved well and had good counter-punching moments.

Tags: Denis Douglin , Steven Martinez , Douglin-Martinez , Douglin vs Martinez