Brian Viloria was clearly the superior fighter tonight in his third bout with Omar Nino Romero, stopping the crafty Mexican at 2:07 of the ninth round to win for the first time in three fights against his rival. Bad Left Hook had it 77-74 at the time of stoppage, when Viloria hurt Romero on an uppercut, forcing Romero's corner to jump in and force referee Michael Ortega to stop the fight.

[ Undercard: Mayol Routs Pingo Miranda Over 10 ]

My score was probably as close as it could have been, as the two rounds I gave to Romero were both debatable. Viloria hurt Romero a few times, but noted after the fight that Romero was still awkward, and tough to combat.

With the win, Viloria improves to 31-3 (17), while Romero drops to 31-5-2 (13) with the loss. Viloria said after the fight he's "good" with the win, and that his series with Romero is now done. Romero handed Viloria his first loss in 2006, and the two went to a draw (later a no-contest) three months after that bout.

For Viloria, it's a continuation of the strong run that has put him near the top of the flyweight world rankings, and also lets him retain the WBO title.