By Alexey Sukachev

Hala Stulecia, Wroclaw, Poland - WBC cruiserweight champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (47-2-1, 33KOs) retained his title with a twelve round unanimous decision over mandatory challenger Francisco Palacios (21-2, 13KOs). The scores were 116-112, 117-112, 116-113. There were no knockdowns and it was pretty much an even fight with the champion getting the edge in most rounds. Palacios was lucky to survive the tenth round after getting in trouble. The champion won a controversial split decision over Palacios last April, also in Poland.

The bout was very tactical and even for the first nine rounds. Wlodarczyk, nicknamed "Diablo", still relatively fresh at 31 (his birthday was celebrated on Sep. 19) despite fighting in almost fifty fights throughout his twelve-year long career, which included a win and a loss against Steve Cunningham in 2006 for the IBF cruiserweight title, was also fast and resilient. Palacios, 35 and no spring chicken either, relied more on his power and activity. Both fighters repeatedly took turns controlling the fight in the first half. The contest was fought at a measured pace, with neither boxer getting hurt, injured or penalized.