(L-R) Yuriorkis Gamboa is down on the canvas as Michael Farenas stands over him during their super featherweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 8, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Al Bello/Getty Images/AFP
MANILA, Philippines – Cuban Yuriorkis Gamboa defeated Filipino Michael Farenas via unanimous decision in the penultimate bout of the Pacquiao-Marquez 4 Sunday (Manila time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The judges scored it 117-109, 118-108, 117-108.
Gamboa, who won the vacant WBA interim super featherweight title, dropped Farenas twice, in round two and in round seven.
The Olympic gold medalist grazed Farenas’ face with a straight that sent the Filipino down after landing a short and quick right hook that knocked Farenas the first time.
Farenas, who had a cut on his left eye due to an accidental head butt in round three, battled back and even scored his own knock down in the ninth round.
Gamboa, who remains undefeated, looked as if he was going to finish Farenas off but the Filipino boxer turned it around after unloading a crushing left that put the former featherweight champion down on his knees.
Gamboa, the quicker fighter, though was able to recover in the ensuing rounds and got back to pressing the fight.