Photos: Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela Drops, Edges Steve Spark With Split Decision

Mexico - In a crossroads battle between junior welterweight punchers, Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela (27-3-1, 16 KOs) managed to pull out a ten round split decision over Steve Spark (16-3, 14 KOs). (photos by Melina Pizano)

The scores were 96-93 for Valenzuela, 95-94 for Spark, and 95-94 for Valenzuela.

There was no feeling out, as both were winging with big punches in the first round. Spark was throwing most of the leather with the heavier connects. Both had moments in the second, with Spark still landing the better punches. 

Spark continued to do more damage during exchanges in the third. Gollaz was holding his own and looking for counters, but his face was reddening up. In the fourth, a lot of leather was still being exchanged. Gollaz ended the round with a big rally of power punches.

The fifth began with heavy exchanges of big punches. Both were landing and each fighter seemed to feel the power. Spark unleashed with big head shots as the round closed out and Gollaz appeared to be rattled. During the sixth, Spark was doing well - but then Gollaz got him in serious trouble with shots to the head and body to send Spark down. Spark beat the count, but he was being punished with heavy shots. 

Spark came out firing in the seventh, looking to regain control of the fight. Spark rocked Gollaz and was working him over with hard shots against the ropes. Spark would rock him for a second time in the round, but was unable to finish him off. The eight saw Spark moving and punching in spots, as the pace slowed down a little.

In the ninth, both had moments of success. Spark was digging down hard with hooks to the body. The tenth and final round saw Spark come out firing to the head and body of Gollaz. As the round went on, Gollaz was holding his own and making it a competitive scrap until the final bell.