Moreno Edges Cermeno, Linares Decisions Lorenzo
By Mark Vester
At the Polideportivo José María Vargas in La Guaira, Venezuela, WBA bantamweight champion Anselmo Moreno (29-1-1, 10KOs) came to hostile ground to win a close twelve round split-decision over previously undefeated interim-champion Nehomar Cermeno (19-1, 11KOs). Cermeno was riding quite a streak, including two wins over Cristian Mijares and a win over Alejandro Valdez. The scores were 114-113, 115-112 for Moreno and 115-112 for Cermeno.
In his first fight since suffering a first round knockout to Juan Carlos Salgado from last October, former super featherweight champion Jorge Linares (28-1, 18KOs) appeared to stuggle at times in a tougher than expected fight with Franscico Lorenzo (34-8, 15KOs) to win a ten round majority decision. The scores were 97-93, 97-94 and 95-95.