Vazquez vs Quintero results: Miguel Vazquez retains IBF belt with lackluster split decision win

Miguel Vazquez didn't win many new fans with an avoidance-heavy performance tonight against Marvin Quintero in the HBO Boxing After Dark opener, but he retained his IBF lightweight title by split decision on scores of 116-112, 118-110, and 113-115. BLH scored it 115-113 for Vazquez.

Vazquez (32-3, 13 KO) moved -- or ran, if you want to be harsh, and frankly, a lot of it was running -- for most of the fight, and was able to do so in a big ring. Quintero (25-4, 21 KO) tried to pressure, tried to make his way inside, but largely fell short trying to get there, and though he did have some success as the fight went on, Vazquez simply nicked enough rounds to retain his title and move forward.

Most likely, though, Vazquez hasn't endeared himself to HBO (or Showtime) with this fight, and will probably go right back to being "underrated" and "ignored" by US TV networks. He's just not an exciting fighter, and tonight, he wasn't at his best, either -- he's usually craftier and better than this, and when he got his shot, he didn't blow it, but he sure didn't hit the mark.

Our live coverage of HBO BAD continues here, with Mauricio Herrera vs Karim Mayfield up next.