Omar Narvaez (39-1-2) was awarded a split-decision win over Felipe Orucuta (27-2) on Saturday night—or Sunday morning, depending on your location—but it didn't come without controversy.
The 37-year-old WBO super flyweight champion was given all he could handle by the 27-year-old Orucuta. The fight was close by most accounts, but many believe Orucuta deserved the decision.
With the fight taking place in Narvaez's native Argentina, it seemed unlikely Orucuta would emerge victorious without a knockout. The final judges scorecards were all over the place.
Per ESPN Deportes, two judges scored the fight for Narvaez at 115-113.
One judge had the fight scored 118-110 for Orucuta.
Boxing Scene tweeted their score and the sentiments of local broadcasters covering the fight:
With so many varying opinions, Narvaez's win seems a bit tainted. After such an illustrious career, it seems the proud Argentine can't be satisfied with this result.
A rematch is the best way to remove all doubt as to who is the better man. Ideally, that fight would take place either at a neutral site, or even in Orucuta's home country of Mexico.
Though he wasn't given the decision, Orucuta did fight well enough to earn some bargaining power if a rematch happens.
Unfortunately, the chance of a fight taken place anywhere but Argentina is slim. Narvaez has fought outside of his country seven times in his career; and just once since 2008.
The last time he fought outside of his country was in Oct. 2011 and he picked up his only loss. Narvaez was nearly shut out for 12 rounds by Nonito Donaire in a failed attempt to move up to bantamweight.
As his career winds down, Narvaez probably won't be interested in taking that sort of risk again. That is especially the case considering a rematch with Orucuta isn't exactly a pay-per-view-worthy event.
Boxing fans and Orucuta may ultimately have to charge this one to the game.
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