Former unified lightweight champion Juan Diaz (34-1, 17 KOs) won a twelve round split decision over former WBO interim beltholder Michael Katsidis (23-2, 20 KOs) on Saturday night at the Toyota Center In Houston, Texas. It was an important fight, with both fighters coming off their first pro losses, and it was hometown favorite Diaz who was too fast, too sharp and too good, winning 116-112 115-113 on two cards, with Katsidis prevailing 115-113 on the third card.
Former world title challenger Rocky Juarez (27-4, 19 KOs) scored an eleventh round TKO over ex-WBO junior lightweight champion Jorge Barrios (47-3-1, 34 KOs). Despite two dubious point deductions for low blows in rounds three and nine, Barrios outboxed the hometown favorite over much of the fight. Juarez came on late, however, dropping Barrios in the eleventh and the fight was stopped due to a wicked cut on the right side of Barrios' lip. Time of the stoppage was 2:55.