Former world champion Juan Carlos Payano won a ten round unanimous decision over Alexis Santiago in a super bantamweight bout at Sam’s Town in Las Vegas.
Payano was cut over his left eye fro an overhand right in round three.
Payano, 120.6 lbs of Santiago, DR won by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice, and is now 19-1. Santiago, 120.4 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 24-5-1.
“I felt like I was winning every single round,” said Payano. “There were small moments on the inside that I gave away but I think I did the better work each round.”
“The strategy was to wear him down and then really try to walk him down and take him out,” said Payano. “Santiago was a little too tough for his own good so I kept some distance at times and controlled the fight.”
“I felt the long layoff when I got in there,” said Santiago. “I was a little tight and I loaded up too much instead of using my speed.”
“I want my titles back,” said Payano. “I don’t care who is holding which titles at 118 and 122 pounds. I’ll fight anyone and show I’m still a champion.”
“I thought the fight was a little closer,” said Santiago. “He did more work than me but I thought I had good moments. I wanted to box him a little more but I couldn’t find my range so I just tried to close down the gaps. We just have to go back to the drawing board and stay more active. I want to get a tune-up fight then get right back to fighting top guys.”
Ladarius Miller won a ten round unanimous decision over former U.S. Olympian Jamel Herring in a light weight bout.
In round six, Miller began to bleed from his nose.
Miller, 134.8 lbs of Las Vegas, NV, won by scores of 98-92 and 97-93 twice, and is now 14-1. Herring, 134.4 lbs of Cincinnati, OH is now 16-2.
“I know I out-jabbed him,” said Miller. “When we jabbed each other, I thought my jab was stronger than his. I gave him two different styles. There were times where I walked him down and times where I boxed him.”
“I thought it was a close fight,” said Herring. “I thought when I came forward and pressed the fight he started retreating and moving.”
“I thought 97-93 was the right score,” said Miller. “I took it easy in round nine and felt him out in the first two rounds. But the rest of the fight I felt like I dominated. It’s a process. I’m just climbing the ladder right now. I want to get another test and fight more strong fighters. I want to be on the biggest stages. I’m ready for the step up.”
“I thought I landed some heavy shots in there and was more aggressive,” said Herring. “Obviously the judges saw it differently. I’ll get back with my team and see what’s next, but I did think I won the fight. I thought I won the last two rounds and pulled it out.”
