Danny Garcia just about kept his undefeated record intact as he saw off Lamont Peterson by a majority decision in a 143-pound non-title fight in Brooklyn.
Garcia dominated the early rounds then held on to edge out his fellow American for the decision. Two of the judges scored it 115-113 for Garcia while the third had it 114-114.
Garcia was the more aggressive fighter in the first half of the bout before Peterson took control in the later rounds, capping his night with an impressive 12th round performance.
“I knew it would be a tough fight,” Garcia said. “I told him you can’t win a big fight by running.
“He came strong at me because he knew he was losing on points.”
Both Garcia and Peterson hold lightweight titles but Saturday’s bout was held at the catch weight of 143 pounds.
Peterson, who frustrated Garcia at times with his nimble footwork, didn’t like the decision but said he would be willing to go again.
“I am not so sure I gave him the early rounds,” Peterson said. “He was missing a lot of punches and I was landing my jab. I would love a rematch.”
Garcia improved to 30-0 with 17 knockouts while Peterson dropped to 33-3-1.