MAURICIO HERRERA LOOSSES CONTROVERSIAL SPLIT DECISION

Here are some excerpts from articles posted on the controversial first loss in Mauricio Herrera’s carrer. Please send us your comments to info@thompsonboxing.com

THE LOMPOC RECORD
By Kevin Klein/Sports writer
kklein@lompocrecord.com

The co-feature match between super lightweights Mauricio Herrera and Mike Achondo ended in controversy.

Achondo, a former WBO Jr. lightweight champ, had taken two years off from the circuit and was fighting in just his third fight since returning to the sport.

Herrera, entering the match a perfect 13-0, started out a little slow, ceding a couple of the first rounds to Anchondo. In the later rounds, however, Herrera showed why his nickname is "El Maestro," as he put together devastating combinations to score big points.

With Anchondo against the ropes in the eighth and final round, the crowd began to chant "Mauricio, Mauricio," and as the bell rang Herrera, bleeding from his nose, returned to his corner confident.

"I knew I won that last round; I thought I had it in the bag; I thought I was all the way home free," Herrera said.

But, by split decision the judges awarded Anchondo, bleeding from a hole in his mouth where a tooth once was, the win 77-75, 73-79, 77-75.

The 1,330 people in attendance gave the judges their thought of the decision with a resounding chorus of boos.

"I thought I won the fight," Anchondo said. "It was a tough fight and I take nothing away from Mr. Herrera."

Anchondo moves to 30-2 with the split-decision.

THE RING MAGAZINE
RingTV.com Editors

In the co-featured bout of the telecast, former 130-pound titleholder Mike Anchondo (30-2, 19 KOs) won an eight-round split decision over undefeated prospect Mauricio Herrera (13-1, 6 KOs) in an a brisk back-and-forth fight that thrilled the fans at the Chumash Casino.

Anchondo was the aggressor early, but Herrera scored well -- especially with his jab -- in the middle rounds before the younger but more experienced fighter (Anchondo) rallied late in the fight. Herrera's face was busted up by the late rounds, but he fought with a maturity and confidence that belied his 13 pro bouts. The fans appreciated the efforts of both fighters.

However, the decision, two scores of 77-75 for Anchondo and one score of 79-73 for Herrera, received a mixed reaction. Many fans, as well as Showtime's commentators, believed that Herrera outworked Anchondo, who picked his shots carefully but landed the cleaner blows in the final three rounds of the bout.

FIGHTNEWS.COM
By Francisco Salazar

Anchondo wins split decision over Herrera

In the co-feature, Welterweight Mike Anchondo won a disputed eight round split-decision over previously-unbeaten Mauricio Herrera.

After a two-year hiatus from the ring, the former 130-pound world champion Anchondo returned to the ring in April of this year. He has won two bouts in a row and was hoping for another run at a different weight class.

Herrera was coming off an eight round majority decision victory over Cleotis Pendarvis almost two months ago.

Anchondo threw a high number of punches after slipping what Herrera threw in the first couple of rounds. Herrera attempted to counter as Anchondo was coming in. Despite Anchondo giving up at least four inches in height, he would jab his way in and threw to the head and body of Herrera.

Herrera controlled the middle rounds as he began to connect more to the head of Anchondo. Herrera began to increase his punch output and would throw and land right hands to the head as Anchondo stood in front of him. Herrera was at his best when he moved towards Anchondo to connect.

Herrera was controlling the sixth round, but was momentarily stunned with a left hook to the head. Blood began to come out of Herrera’s nose as the round ended.

Sensing he was behind, Anchondo came on in the seventh round. However, Herrera came out aggressive in the eighth and final round. He was able to land hard right hands to the head of Anchondo. Both fighters traded until the final bell sounded.

One judge scored the bout 79-73 in favor of Herrera, while the remaining judges scored the bout 77-75 in favor of Anchondo. Fightnews.com scored the bout 77-75 in favor of Herrera.

"I take nothing away from him because he came to fight," said Anchondo, who began fighting professionally at the age of 18. "I believe I won the fight. I felt that I did enough in the first half of the fight and to win a few rounds in the end. To get a split-decision, it is what it is."

To say that Herrera was surprised by the decision was an understatement.

"I’m just shocked," said Herrera, who is promoted by Thompson Boxing Promotions. "Maybe he won the first two or three rounds, but I thought I won the fight big. He just has a short, bulky style. He covered up and threw wild punches. Why should I ask for a rematch? I clearly won the fight."

Thompson Boxing Promotions General Manager and matchmaker Alex Camponovo told Fightnews.com that he will file an official protest with the California State Athletic Commission to overturn the decision.

Anchondo, from Hacienda Heights, CA, goes to 30-2, 19 KO’s. Herrera, from Riverside, CA, falls to 13-1, 6 KO’s.

SHOWTIME OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Showtime expert analyst, Steve Farhood, said the night’s first televised fight was in direct contrast to the main event pitting two fighters who may not be the most talented guys, but are pure fighters. And he admitted on air that he felt the wrong guy won the eight-round super lightweight match.

"I scored the fight and I thought Herrera won by two points," said Farhood, who said fellow analyst Antonio Tarver agreed with him. The way the three judges saw it was 77-75, 77-75 Anchondo, 79-73 Herrera.

"He’s a tough fighter," said Anchondo (30-2, 19 KOs) of La Puente, Calif. "He came to fight. I believe I did enough in the first half to win the fight. I thought I did enough to not get a split decision but it is what it is."

Said Herrera of Riverside, Calif., who falls to 13-1 (6 KOs): "I’m shocked. I thought I won the fight. I thought the first two or three rounds were close but I won the rest. He had those two shots in the last round and that was it. I thought I had it in the bag. I thought I was home free. I’m just in complete shock. Rematch? Why should I give him a rematch? I clearly won the fight. The fans saw it and everyone at home saw it. What can you do?"