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WBA #2 junior featherweight Ricardo "Maestrito" Cordoba, (33-1-2, 21 KOs) paved the way for a September WBA interim title clash with the only man who has ever beaten him, Poonsawat Kratimdaeng, the top ranked WBA contender, by winning a decisive victory over countryman Jose Arboleda (23-4-1, 9 KOs).

The bout, held Wednesday night at the Atlapa Convention Center in Panama City, lived up to the pre-fight hype through 10 exciting, hard-fought rounds. In an unforeseen tactical move, Arboleda elected to counterpunch and let Cordoba be the agressor. Ricardo took some rounds to adjust to what was for him an unfamiliar role.

However, the talented "Maestrito" took control of the action in the second half of the fight, beating Arboleda to the punch and pushing back his bigger and heavier foe. The final 10th round was a dandy as both boxers waged a fierce battle that had the full-house audience on its feet. Two judges had Cordoba winning 97-93 while the third judge voted it a bizarre 95-95 draw.

Said Cordoba after the fight: "Arboleda was one tough customer, as I expected. He is a world-class boxer but I think I proved a point. I am not just a stylist and I can take it to my opponent if I have to. I am now looking forward to a rematch with Poonsawat but in Panama. I was victimized by the judges in Thailand and there`s no way I am going back there!"

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The rest of the card promoted by Rogelio Espiño was of excellent quality with some very competitive matches:

Irving Berry W10 Renan Acosta (Featherweight)
Prospect Berry was facing his first major test against experienced former title contender Renan Acosta. Berry was awarded a split decision and, again, one judge was way off the mark as Berry outpunched and outworked Acosta throughout the fight.

Luis Concepcion W9 William De Sousa (Jr Bantamweight)
Concepcion and De Sousa waged a slugfest at the new distance of 9 rounds. The lopsided unanimous decision did not reflect how competitive the bout really was as both fighters took turns in rocking each other with bombs.

Ricardo Nuñez KO 1 Franklin Solis (Jr Bantamweight)
Nuñez showed destructive power.

Alejandro Corrales W 6 Antonio Fernandez (Jr Featherweight)
Again, toe to toe action with Corrales winning a disputed split decision. A knockdown in Corrales'favor proved to be the difference.

Ogleydis Suarez W6 Diana Ayala (Jr Lightweight)
Suarez should be watched as she displayed excellent skills

Other Results:
Alis Sanchez TKO 2 Yessica Perez (Featherweight)
Dirceu Cabarca TKO 1 Edwin Diaz (Flyweight)