Castillo retains lightweight title

Associated Press

LAS VEGAS — Mexico's Jose Luis Castillo retained the World Boxing Council lightweight title last night, rallying in the late rounds for a split decision over Joel Casamoyer at Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Judges Dr. James Jen Kin, Carol Castellano and Dave Moretti all gave the 30-year-old Castillo (51-6-1) the last three rounds.

"He was difficult as expected, but by the eighth, ninth rounds I knew this was my fight," Castillo said. "He was very fast, but not as fast as expected."

Casamoyer, the former WBA super featherweight champion in his first title fight at 135 pounds, was clearly the better fighter early. He found the range early with left hands and kept circling away from danger. But Castillo eventually caught up with the 33-year-old Cuban challenger.

On the undercard, Jeff Lacy successfully defended his IBF super middleweight title with a unanimous decision over Omar Sheika. Lacy improved to 18-0.

Flyweight Brian Viloria's bout was canceled after opponent Miguel Martinez, who was a replacement, withdrew. Viloria, of Waipahu, hasn't fought since June 4.