Boxing In America: Raul Marquez Defeats Bronco McKart By Split Decision

Former light middleweight world champions Raul Marquez and Bronco McKart went at last night at the Soaring Eagle Casino in Mt. Pleasant, MI in a back and forth battle at middleweight over ten exciting rounds between aging southpaws in the twilight of their careers.

McKart tried to use his height and reach advantages to box from the outside but the shorter Marquez came forward all night and forced the action to be waged in the trenches.

Both men had their moments but the judging favored Marquez's busier style as the former IBF titlist came away with the split decision victory 97-93, 96-94 and 95-96.

Marquez improves to 41-3 (29) while McKart loses his second in a row to fall to 51-9 (31).

Also on the bill, former longtime WBC Lightweight Champ Stevie Johnston, 42-5-1 (18), outpointed Dario Esalas, 30-12 (24), over ten rounds, women's lightweight contender Kara Ro, 16-0 (7), stayed perfect with a four round unanimous decision over Lakeysha Williams, 9-12-3 (1), and middleweight slugger Tyrone Brunson, 19-0 (19), knocked out his nineteenth consecutive opponent in the first round by crushing chinny journeyman Francis McKechnai, 3-15 (3).