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Michael “The Artist” Perez pulled out a split decision win over Marcelino Lopez on Thursday’s edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN, winning on scores of 96-93, 97-92, and 93-96.
Perez (25-2-2, 14 KO) had to come off the canvas in the eighth round to win, and wasn’t completely happy with his win.
"I won the fight for sure," said Perez. "My plan was to go in and box him, and work him with my jab. I knew I won, but know I could've been better if I had more rest before. Next time I fight, I'm going to the best I can be."
In the welterweight co-feature, Rashidi Ellis (18-0, 12 KO) stayed undefeated with a majority decision win over tough gatekeeper John Karl Sosa (13-3, 6 KO). Scores were 95-95, 97-93, and 97-93.
"In the fight, I worked on my jabs and punches the most," said Ellis. "I'm happy with the decision, but I know my opponent got to me in a lot of the rounds. In the end, I gave it my all."
"I was planning on going in to defeat him," said Sosa. "My corner kept telling me to move, and I listened. I felt the fight was much closer than the judges scored it."
The next edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN is set for Friday, May 5, with Yuriorkis Gamboa facing Robinson Castellanos in the main event, the night before Canelo-Chavez.