It was never easy but Jorge ‘Travieso’ Arce (59-6-2, 45KO’s) is the new WBO bantamweight champion after defeating Indonesia’s Angky Angkotta (25-6, 14KO’s) over twelve hard-fought rounds at the Plaza de Toros Rea in Sinaloa, Mexico. It’s the second time Arce has defeated Angkotta but there was no doubt this time about the winner. Arce is now the first ever Mexican to win World titles in five different divisions.

Unique ring entrances have always been Jorge Arce’s thing, but to serenade the crowd as you make your way into the ring is unique. Nevertheless that’s what Arce did and seemed to be enjoying himself thoroughly. He became all business as soon as the first bell rang though and it didn’t take long for the cagey opening to develop into a gruelling fight for both men.

Arce isn’t known for being a master boxer but he was the one up on his toes, using the ring to his advantage to keep Angkotta off-balance but that was never going to last long. By the third round the leather was flying and Arce had the upper hand, throwing shots to both body and head that seemed to have an effect on Angkotta. It didn’t have enough of an effect to stop Angkotta throwing his own punches though.

Neither man seemed to be getting hurt by the others punches, because even though both landed flush over and over again neither gave an inch. Angkotta even got cocky in the eighth round after landing a right hand that stunned Arce momentarily, and showboated to the crowd with bolo punches, even though he had shipped some huge punches from his Mexican opponent. It was a display of toughness but overall he wasn’t mobile enough to win most rounds and seemed to tire more towards the end.

Arce put an exclamation mark on his win in the twelfth and final round, letting his hands go and dominating a by-now tired looking Angkotta. It was redemption for Arce, who’s first win was questioned, and a fine way for him to pick up his fifth World title, marking him down as a certainty for the Hall Of Fame when he finally hangs up his gloves. That wont be for a while though, and there are strong rumours that Nonito Donaire will face Arce in the near future.

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1. Arce gunning for title in fifth weight division
2. Garcia retains WBO title – Arce wins in a round