Elwin Soto returned to the venue where he won his first major title, having to survive a stiff test to retain that status.

The defending junior flyweight titlist rallied in the second half of his 12-round showdown with Philippines Edward Heno to take a close and competitive unanimous decision win Thursday evening at Fantasy Spring Casino in Indio, California.

Scores were 115-112 twice and 114-113 in favor of Mexico’s Soto, who suffered a flash knockdown in round three but was able to overcome on the strength of a second half surge. 

Soto sought to establish his power advantage from the opening bell, a tactic which paid dividends in a title lifting 12th round stoppage of Angel Acosta at this very location just four months ago, It didn’t always play out that way in his first title challenge, as his power advantage on paper wasn’t as clear cut in the ring. The defending titlist found a home for his right hand early in the contest, though often at the expense of taking one in order to land one in return.

Heno didn’t show any fear in his first career title fight, standing his ground and looking to land with long left hands from his southpaw stance. Soto briefly snapped back the head of Heno with a right hand in round two, continuing to come forward in hopes of imposing his will.

It briefly backfired in a spirited round three which saw both boxers trading at center ring. Soto literally let his guard down after missing with a shot, getting caught with a right hook behind his ear which threw off his balance and forced him to briefly touch the canvas. Referee Jerry Cantu ruled the sequence a knockdown, creating early drama on the scorecards.

Soto stormed out to start round four, looking to erase the two point swing as he attempted to walk down Heno. Fighting behind a high guard, the defending titlist did a better job of keeping his chin protected but struggled to keep his opponent at bay.

Heno was consistently the busier fighter, but not always the more effective puncher. Soto was able to pick off most of Heno’s power punches, returning fire with right hands and the occasional left hook. Heno made the necessary adjustments in round five, sliding back and coming in with right uppercuts which pushed back Soto.

The round also left Heno with a cut over his mouth, the result of Soto’s right hand but never becoming a threat to end the night. Heno remained a stubborn and at times immovable target, but Soto took the openings provided in much needed momentum shift.

Round eight was a turning point for the Mexican power puncher, who was able to force Heno’s back to the ropes for much of the frame but one which ended with his receiving a stern warning for punching after the bell.

The infraction didn’t deter Soto from asserting himself down the stretch. Right hand shots continued to land for the titlist, who remembered to mix in his jab after not at all using it in the first half of the fight. Heno withstood the incoming, but was only able to offer the occasional return fire as action grew sloppy—perhaps due to fatigue—in the championship rounds, a time when the challenger needed a dramatic momentum shift in any hope of pulling off the upset. 

Instead, it cost the Filipino southpaw an upset victory as he falls to 14-1-5 (5KOs).

Soto retains his junior flyweight title while extending his current 14-fight win streak as he improves to 16-1 (11KOs).

The bout streamed live on DAZN, as well as on Golden Boy Promotions’ Facebook page.

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox