Light heavyweight contender Sullivan Barrera 22-2 (14) secured a hard-fought 10-round unanimous decision win over rugged New Yorker ‘Irish’ Seanie Monaghan 29-2 (17) at the Aviator Sports Center in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday night.
The 36-year-old Miami-based Cuban expat got the better of many of the exchanges but still had to work hard for victory. Two of the judges awarded Barrera the victory by scores of 99-91 while the third judge had him the winner 98-92.
“He was a strong guy. I told the guys before the fight, he’s a tough light heavyweight,” Barrera said after the victory. “My coach and I, we know it’s no easy fight.”
Barrera, who lost his last fight to WBA 175-pound champion Dmitry Bivol by TKO12 in March, credited Monaghan, 37, for his toughness and ability to survive a torrid eighth round.
“I know his face, he was a little bit tired. I tried to knock him out, but he’s a strong guy,” said Barrera.
Barrera has been out of the ring for eight months while Monaghan was having his first bout in a year.
WBA number four and WBC number 13 ranked light heavyweight Barrera is chasing a second world title shot after the win. With Monaghan ranked WBC number six, IBF number 12 and WBO number 11 at 175-pounds, the victory should give Barrera a boost in the ratings.
Barrera, who landed double the number of power shots as Monaghan, said he does care who he fights next as long as they are amongst the best in the division.
“We are ready for everyone. I proved tonight I’m a tough light heavyweight,” said Barrera.
 secured a hard-fought 10-round unanimous decision win over rugged New Yorker ‘Irish’ Seanie Monaghan 29-2 (17) at the Aviator Sports Center in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday night.){kind=link}