Beltran robbed as Burns retains title after controversial draw
Raymundo Beltran (28-6-1) appeared to dominate WBO lightweight champion Ricky Burns (36-2-1), busting his jaw and dropping him in the 8th round, but somehow was given a 12 round draw on Saturday night at the Scottish Exhibition Centre in Glasgow, Scotland.
The judges scores were 115-112 for Burns, 115-113 for Beltran and 114-114 for the draw.
Burns started well enough in the opener getting shots off cleanly with good handspeed to surprise Beltran. However, the Mexican wasted little time getting back on track in the 2nd round, unleasing torrent combinations to the head that had the champion covering up on the ropes.
Beltran worked the body well in the 3rd but the Scot was more than willing to stand and trade which suited Beltran just fine. Burns was hurt in the 4th, a left hook had Burns spinning backwards and then a follow up attack had Burns covering up again. Beltran would wait for Burns to miss then counter. Burns mounted a comeback in the 6th, popping shots off at range and let combinations go that kept Beltran at bay.
In the 7th Burns gained centre ring and dictated the pace as Beltran appeared content to back pedal.
In the 8th that would all change as Beltran caught Burns cold with a left hook that floored him at the beginning of the round.
Up at the count of eight, Burns showed impressive resolve to fend off hie opponents further attacks. Beltran pursured Burns in the 9th and 10th, unleashing lefts and rights to force Burns to hold frequently. The final two sessions was better for Burns, firing off rapid combinations on the move in the 12th and smothered his rival's work. Though, at the bell the previously raucous home fans fell silent as the judge's scores were announced.
