Soto survives Antillon

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Humberto Soto retained his lightweight title against Urbano Antillon but had to earn it Saturday at the Honda Center.

Antillon was the aggressor throughout and did some damage but Soto was the busier and more-accurate puncher, which gave him a unanimous, but close decision before 3,253 fans.

The scores were 114-113, 115-112 and 114-113.

Antillon (28-2, 20 knockouts) gave an inspiring performance, taking punishment from a superior boxer from beginning to end but relentlessly pursuing his foe.

Soto (54-7-2, 32 KOs) was able to outbox Antillon, connecting with flurries and then scooting out of range, but he was forced to engage Antillon at many stages of the fight.

The result was a memorable war in which neither fighter really deserved to lose.

Soto now is scheduled to defend his 135-pound title against hard-punching Brandon Rios. Top Rank promoter, who handles both Soto and Antillon, said Antillon could face Miguel Vazquez, another lightweight titleholder, in his next fight.