Herring beats Roach by unanimous decision to retain title

Junior lightweight world titleholder Jamel Herring outpointed mandatory challenger Lamont Roach Jr. in the main event of the Top Rank on ESPN+ card on Saturday at Chukchansi Park in Fresno, California.

Herring, a southpaw, who also outpointed Masayuki Ito to win his 130-pound world title on May 25, was badly hurt in the 11th round, but survived to win on scores of 117-111, 117-111 and 115-113.

Herring (21-2, 10 KO's), 34, of Coram, New York, used his jab and straight left hands to the body. Roach, who is known for his counter punching abilities, hardly threw any shots back as Herring controlled the fight from the outside.

Roach (19-1-1, 7 KO's), 24, of Washington, D.C., had some moments, though. He buzzed Herring with a counter right hand in the seventh round, but couldn't follow-up his attack.

Roach also found success in the eighth round. He nailed Herring with a sharp combination and knocked him off balance with a left hook later in the round.

Herring dropped Roach in the ninth round with a right cross, but referee Marcos Rosales botched the call by ruling it a slip.

Herring was badly hurt in the 11th round. He was buzzed early from a left hook on the chin, but a right hand in the waning seconds of the round rocked him to his core. However, he was saved by the bell.