Simms (25-1), of Norwalk, Conn., lost in his first title defense. Alcine (29-0) earned the win in his first world title bout. Both fighters had points taken away for hitting on the break in a bout that resembled wrestling instead of boxing.

Judge Tom Kaczmarek scored it 114-111, Glen Feldman 115-110, and George DeGabriel 116-109 for the Canadian.

"I definitely thought I won the fight," Alcine said. "For all the talking Simms was doing before the fight, I thought he would be more aggressive. He was not a bad boxer, but I thought he was a bigger puncher.

"I felt I was behind in the early rounds so I picked it up. I now know I'm good enough to fight anyone in the division."

Alcine, 31, scored a questionable knockdown in the ninth-round when the 36-year-old Simms appeared to slip while throwing a punch. But referee Michael Ortega ruled it as the first knockdown of Simms in his boxing career, pro or amateur.

"That wasn't a knockdown," Simms insisted. "The ring was covered with sweat and water. You need to use good judgment."

Alcine became more aggressive after that and was the more active fighter. Simms did more holding than hitting in the later rounds, and complained of an injury to his left hand during the early rounds which limited his punching power.

"I don't want to make any excuses," Simms said. "I was unable to connect with any hard punches. He won fair and square, and naturally, I want a rematch. I still feel like I'm the champion, but this was his night."

Alcine's victory was one of three world championship bouts on the card.

In a stunning upset, Filipino Nonito Donaire (18-1) scored a one-punch knockout of Vic Darchinyan 1:38 into the fifth round to gain the IBF and IBO flyweight titles.

Darchinyan was beaten in the seventh defense of his belts. Donaire, however, appeared to be winning the fight until ending it with a powerful left hook to Darchinyans nose that sent the Australian to the canvas.

Darchinyan tried to get up, but stumbled into the ropes. Referee Eddie Claudio then stopped the bout. A jubilant Donaire ran around the ring triumphantly after securing his first world title. He avenged the loss sustained by his brother, Glenn, to Darchinyan in October 2006.