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Yuriorkis Gamboa wasn't perfect in his comeback bout tonight, but he took some good shots and survived a knockdown scare against Filipino puncher Michael Farenas, winning by unanimous decision scores of 117-109, 118-107, and 117-108. BLH scored it 115-110 for Gamboa.
Gamboa (22-0, 16 KO) was a bit rusty early, but picked up his timing over the fight, though he had some defensive lapses that allowed Farenas (34-4-4, 26 KO) to find some success with body shots and a straight left hand. Gamboa went down in the ninth round, but survived it by hanging on.
In reality, he had to grind out the win, even if the scores don't reflect that. But this isn't necessarily a result that indicates impending doom for the hyper-talented Gamboa; it was his first fight in 15 months, and he faced a guy who came to win and fought his ass off.
Our live coverage of Pacquiao vs Marquez IV continues here, with the main event next. One more time: Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez.