By Elsinio Castillo
Five months after his last win, Peru's Alberto "Chiquito" Rossel (32-8, 13KOs) once again retained his status as the interim-world flyweight champion of the World Boxing Association (WBA) with a wide points win over Colombian challenger Gabriel Mendoza (19-3).
The Peruvian fighter retained his crown for the fourth consecutive time since capturing the belt two years ago. The decision of the judges was 118-113, 118-114 and 117.5 to 111.5 for Rossel, after completing the scheduled 12 rounds. The WBA used their half-point system.
While Mendoza showed fitness at the start of the fight, dodging some shots and returning others, "Chiquito" took over the fight from the third round and never stop controlling the action, and even sent the Colombian to the canvas on a couple of occasions.
"This is my fourth consecutive win, but I want more, I want the fifth. I want to thank everyone for their everlasting support," declared the champion after getting out the ring.
