Julio Hangs Onto His Title in an Unpopular Decision

Jorge Elicer Julio retained his World Boxing Organization junior welterweight championship with a controversial 12-round split decision over Oscar Maldonado of Mexico on Monday night at the Forum.

The crowd of 3,213 threw garbage into the ring and chanted theft after the decision was announced.

“I thought I won the fight easy,” Maldonado said. “I won all the rounds. I boxed him better and I punched harder than him. I would like a rematch. I’m not afraid.

“He never hurt me. I thought he was tough because of the way he was taking my punches. I was landing so many.”

Both fighters were hoisted onto the shoulders of their cornermen and raised their arms in triumph after the bout, which was expected to be a walkover for Julio, 37-1 with 28 knockouts.

But Maldonado, who was winless in his first four fights after turning pro, had the champion on the ropes in the fourth round.

The crowd began chanting for Maldonado (17-6-2) after he reopened a cut above Julio’s left eye in the 10th round.

However, two of the three judges gave the fight to Julio. Judges Larry Rozadilla had Julio winning, 115-113, and Vince Delgado had Julio ahead, 116-112. Judge Marty Denkin gave the fight to Maldonado, 115-113.

“I didn’t take him lightly, I knew it was going to be a tough fight,” Julio said.