Chris Van Heerden Edges Steve Claggett Via Majority Nod

by Ryan Burton

Downtown Las Vegas Event Center, Las Vegas, Nevada -  Chris Van Heerden (23-2-1) bounced back from his knockout loss to Errol Spence to defeat Steve Claggett (23-3) via majority decision in the CBS Sports Network main event in Las Vegas, Nev. Both men had success in the fight but Van Heerden had the better defense and landed the crisper punches throughout most of the contest.

Van Heerden was the more active fighter and put himself back in title contention. The final scores were 95-95 and 97-93 twice.

In the co-feature bout, Neeco Macias (12-0) outworked Limberth Ponce (10-3) in a bout that was fought in a phone booth. Both fighters stayed in the pocket for the entire fight in a very entertaining scrap. Neither fighter would give an inch but Macias was the more accurate puncher to win an unanimous decision. The scores were 79-73 on all three cards. 

In the televised opener, Malik Hawkins (7-0) kept his "0" intact against Errol Sidney (6-2-2) with a TKO victory in their welterweight bout. Hawkins applied pressure early and was very effective in the first round before Sydney took control in the second. That control didn't last long as Hawkins kept Sydney pinned on the ropes throughout most of the rest of the fight. Hawkins continued to be the aggressor and wore down his opponent for good in the 6th round. The fight was stopped at the 1:02 mark. 

In a junior lightweight clash, Randy Moreno (2-0) defeated Derick "Durt Nap" (0-3) via unanimous decision. The Las Vegas native pitched a shutout, winning 40-36 on all three cards. 

Local favorite Jeremy Nichols improved to 3-0 with an unanimous decision victory over Jason Gavino (3-2) of Tijuana, Mexico in their welterweight bout. The final tallies were 40-36 twice and 39-37.

In the opening bout of the evening, local product Sal Lopez (3-0) defeated Matt Murphy (0-3) via unanimous decision. The rallies were 40-35 on all three cards.

Later tonight Chris Van Heerden (23-2-1) battles Steve Claggett (23-3) in the main event of a CBS Sports telecast.