Juarez retains WBC light flyweight title in close decision over Plata

Lourdes Juarez retained her WBC light flyweight title by majority decision over Yesica Nery Plata Saturday night at the Convention Center in South Padre Island, Texas, prevailing after 10 competitive rounds. Two judges scored the bout 96-94 for Juarez while the third judge scored it 95-95, giving Juarez the narrow victory in the main event.

The fight was closely contested from the opening bell. The first round was tentative as both fighters sought distance and timing. Plata, making her return after a 22-month layoff, found rhythm in the second with sharp jabs and body attacks, while Juarez increased her punch output through the middle rounds. Juarez often worked effectively on the inside with flurries, while Plata landed clean, straight punches at range. The pace slowed late in the fight, and neither contender managed to decisively break clear, leaving the outcome to the judges.

Juarez, 39, improved to 39-4 with five knockouts and extended her current win streak to five. Plata, 31, fell to 30-3 with three stoppages. Laurence Cole was the referee for the title fight.

The card also featured a co-main event in which local fighter Omar Juarez of Brownsville, Texas, produced a...