By Jake Donovan

Daniel Rosas moved one step closer to a bantamweight shot after coming out on top in "La Guerra de las Rosas" ("The War of the Roses") Saturday evening in Tijuana, Mexico.

The unbeaten contender scored a unanimous decision over Juan Alberto Rosas (no relation) in their 10-round main event, which aired live on TV Azteca in Mexico.

A clash was once discussed when both served as top rated fighter in the super flyweight division. Daniel Rosas had a title shot within reach, but his inability to continue to shrink down to the 115 lb. limit forced him to withdraw from a scheduled May '12 bout with Omar Narvez.

He has since grown into a legitimate 118 lb. contender, as confirmed with his performance Saturday evening.

Juan Alberto Rosas, a former 115 lb. titlist, fought well enough to neutralize Daniel's natural power advantage. However, his best moments only resulted in winning the occasional round on the scorecards, as he was outworked by his unbeaten opponent for much of the night.

Both fighters were battered and bloodied by the midway point in the fight. Blood was flowing from Daniel's nose, with his left eye beginning to swell. Juan Alberto was forced to fight with compromised vision for most of the second half of the fight, as his left eye was swollen shut.

Daniel went for broke in the tenth and final round, determined to close the show strong. While the knockout never came, his big finish was enough to seal the deal on the scorecards.

Judges Sergio Lechuga (97-93) and Guillermo Moreno (96-94) were much more in tune with the action that took place. The 100-90 tally turned in by Jesus Gonzalez is, sadly, in line with the rash of horrendous officiating that continues to plague the sport.

Daniel Rosas improves to 17-0-1 (11KO) with the win, as he is being groomed for an eventual title shot with Shinsuke Yamanaka. Juan Alberto Rosas falls to 38-8-2 (27KO). 

UNDERCARD

Alejandro Santiago was forced to work every step of the way in his well-earned split decision over Jassiel Escobedo (2-2). Scores were 58-56 (twice) for Santiago (7-0-1, 4KO), while the dissenting judge scored in favor of Escobedo by score of 59-55.

Pedro Hacha cruised to a four-round decision over hapless Mario Diaz (0-3) in their televised four-round affair. Scores were 40-36 across the board for Hacha (3-0, 0KO), who has scored three straight decisions in as many pro fights in his Tijuana hometown.

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com, as well as the Records Keeper for the Transnational Boxing Ratings Board and a member of Boxing Writers Association of America. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox