Shawn Porter Edges Yordenis Ugas Via Split Decision to Retain WBC Welterweight Crown

.@ShowtimeShawnP retains his WBC welterweight title following a close split decision victory over @YordenisUgas. #PBConFOX #PorterUgas pic.twitter.com/gR4HnzYCU1

— PBC (@premierboxing) March 10, 2019

It was the type of fight most boxing experts expected but for Shawn Porter, he was fortunate to escape Dignity Health Sports Complex in Carson, Calif., Saturday night with his WBC welterweight title.

Porter (29-3-1, 17 KOs) was aggressive early and often, as anticipated, but challenger Yordenis Ugas was there with him every step of the way. Ugas made Porter miss repeatedly and countered him beautifully throughout their 12-round affair, and it appeared on many occasions that the Cuban might wrest the title from the champ. Porter landed his fair share of hard punches upstairs, but for the most part, Ugas (23-4, 11 KOs) connected with the cleaner, crisper punches. Ugas also dug dozens of thudding hooks to “Showtime’s” body, but that didn’t sway the ringside judges.

As close as the fight was, it appeared as though Ugas did more than enough to capture his first world title, but it wasn’t in the cards. While one judge favored Ugas with a score of 117-111, that tally was offset by the two other officials, who saw it for Porter 116-112 and 115-113. Sherdog.com scored it for the challenger 115-113.

Full PBC on Fox Televised Results:

Shawn Porter def. Yordenis Ugas via Split Decision (117-117, 115-113, 116-112)
Abel Ramos def. Francisco Santana via Unanimous Decision (98-92, 97-92, 95-94)
Efe Ajagba def. Amir Mansour via TKO End 2 (referee stoppage between rounds)