Manuel Medina won a 12-round split decision over Alejandro Gonzalez on Saturday to take his WBC featherweight title.
There were no knockdowns, although both boxers appeared to be in trouble at various times.Judge Lou Filippo of Downey, Calif., had it 116-112 for Medina, while Hank Elespuru of Sacramento went for the challenger 115-113. Chuck Williams of Honolulu cast a 115-113 decision for Gonzalez.
Gonzalez said he would appeal to the WBC for a rematch.
"I'm very sad the judges didn't accommodate the effort I put into it," he said. "I don't see how they could have voted for my opponent. I'm very confident I won the fight."
Gonzalez, 22, was defending his title for the fourth time since upsetting Kevin Kelley, then 44-0, on Jan. 7 in San Antonio.
Medina, 24, was the IBF featherweight champion in 1991-93, successfully defending that title four times.
Gonzalez dropped to 37-3, while the new champion is 51-6.
Both natives of Mexico weighed 126 pounds.
"It was a hard fight and I'm ready for a rematch whenever they want it," Medina said. "My corner brought me under control and I think that I prevailed with my left jab in the later rounds, and deserved the verdict.
"Gonzalez is one of the best punchers I've ever fought, and I've boxed some good ones."