In a thrilling fight which proved the betting odds wrong, Israel Mercado proved to be the spoiler despite not getting the decision against undefeated Colombian Carlos Utria in a super lightweight fight. Coming in as the WBC Grand Prix winner last year, Utrias was making his first start in the U.S. It appeared to be back and forth round after round with Utria applying pressure while Mercado looked to box and take the fight into the later rounds where the Colombian has never been, having only gone eight. It appeared even after eight with Mercado easily taking the last two rounds for a close win. The scores were split: 96-94 Utria, 96-94 Mercado, 97-93 for Utria, now 15-0, 11 KOs. The unlucky Mercado falls to 13-2-2, 7 KOs.
