Flores Awarded Split Technical Decision Victory Over Peñalosa; Claims IBO World Title
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 26 Aug 2019
MANILA, Philippines -- Mexican Maximino "Max" Flores (25-4-1, 17 KO's) was awarded a close split technical decision win over Filipino Carlo "Too Sharp" Pe?alosa (14-2, 7 KO's) to claim the vacant IBO Flyweight World Title Sunday evening, August 25, at the TV5 Studios in Quezon City, Metro Manila, a rumble watched live on ESPN5 Philippines.
The hard-fought battle -- already one of the most controversial, talked about world title fights this year in the Philippines -- saw an aggressive, coming-forward Mexican brawler pressing the action to close quarters against the retreating Pe?alosa fighting from a distance, scoring effective left straights throughout fierce war.
The battle reached its climax when a non-intentional headbutt during a furious exchange opened an ugly gash over Pe?alosa's left eye (see photo), bursting blood from the Filipino, accelerating heart rates in and out of the ring.
The seriousness of the cut prompted veteran Australian referee Garry Dean to halt actions during the rough skirmishes of chapter seven, requiring judges scorecards to define the winner.
Australian Adam Height scored a close 67-66 for the Mexican. The second judge from New Zealand Kevin Pyne scored 67-66 for the Filipino.
Then, Filipino judge Jerrold Tomeldan, scored 68-65 for the Mexican, handing victory to Mexican Maximino Flores.
Mexican Max Flores wins close split technical decision.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
RAUL “EL CUGÁR” CURIEL CRUISES TO UNANIMOUS DECISION WIN OVER JORDAN “THE PATRIOT” PANTHEN
Sat, 17 Jan 2026Weights from Philadelphia
Sat, 17 Jan 2026Mexico Commemorates 12th Death Anniversary of Don Jose Sulaiman (Photos)
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 17 Jan 2026MOLLY McCANN EYES 'HUGE' STATEMENT START TO 2026 AS SHE JOINS BUMPER WOOD-WARINGTON CARD IN NOTTINGHAM ON FEBRUARY 21
Sat, 17 Jan 2026NEW MAIN EVENT ANNOUNCED! RAUL CURIEL SCHEDULED TO FACE JORDAN PANTHEN IN MIDDLEWEIGHT SCRAP
Fri, 16 Jan 2026SMALLS VS RAMOS TOPS STACKED UNDERCARD FOR NAVARRETE-NUNEZ BLOCKBUSTER IN GLENDALE
Fri, 16 Jan 2026Usyk Linked to Zuffa Boxing Deal as Questions Loom Over Title Defenses
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 16 Jan 2026Abass Baraou: "No One Has Been Able to Withstand My Pressure!"
Fri, 16 Jan 2026Wise Owl Boxing Signs Rising Female Star Chantel “Chicanita” Navarro
Fri, 16 Jan 2026Mauricio Sulaiman: WBC wants to protect fighters' dream of becoming a world champion
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 15 Jan 2026Xander Zayas: "It's Time to Make History!"
Thu, 15 Jan 2026Weights from Trenton, NJ
Thu, 15 Jan 2026Pro Boxer and Recent Grad Returns for Fight Night on the Farm — Celebrating Stanford’s Boxing Community
Thu, 15 Jan 2026Jamaine Ortiz Aims to Derail Keyshawn Davis’ Undefeated Streak at Madison Square Garden
Wed, 14 Jan 2026“No bad blood from me”- Good friends become better rivals – Clarke is ready for Cruiserweight title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Wed, 14 Jan 2026