BOXING : Banke Wins 10-Round Decision
Former World Boxing Council super bantamweight champion Paul Banke of San Bernardino won a unanimous 10-round decision over Antonio Ramirez of Mexico on Saturday night.
Banke, who weighed 123 pounds, was fighting for the first time since losing his title to Pedro Decima of Argentina on Nov. 5, 1990 at the Forum.
Ramirez was a last-minute replacement for Julio Barboa, who withdrew from the fight Friday to take a bout against Elio Dominguez in Las Vegas on Friday night. Barboa stopped Dominguez in the seventh round.
Banke, 27, improved his record to 21-5 with 11 knockouts. Ramirez, fighting for the first time in the United States, reportedly lost for the first time after 11 wins and a draw. Ramirez, 20, weighed 121 1/2 pounds.
There were no knockdowns and neither fighter was ever in trouble. Judges Raul Caiz and Jose Cobian both scored the bout 97-94 for Banke while judge Bernie Swanks scored it 96-94.
Banke seemed more concerned with defense than usual in the bout at the Desert ExpoCentre, stealing several rounds with late flurries.
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