Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City - Middleweight contender Marquis Taylor (15-1-2, 1 KO) scored an early knockdown and rode that to a unanimous decision (99-90, 96-93 twice) over the previously unbeaten Yoelvis Gomez (6-1, 5 KOs) after 10 rounds as Taylor was able to blunt Gomez’s power by fighting effectively on the inside.

As he promised during the fight week press conference, Taylor was victorious against the fifth fighter who entered the ring against him with an undefeated record. He got his offense going early on as he landed an overhand right in the second round that dropped an off-balance Gomez, the first time the Cuban had been down in his career.

“I lost my balance when I hit the canvas,” said Gomez. “He threw his punch trying to see if it landed and I got caught. I hurt him too, but I couldn’t take him down.”

In a fight that was largely fought on the inside, with frequent tie-ups and instances of holding from both fighters, it was Taylor who consistently landed the cleaner blows, especially across the first half of the fight. Gomez had gained a reputation as a power puncher, but was unable to hurt Taylor despite focusing on power punches throughout the bout.

“I’m frustrated,” said Gomez. “The ref kept getting in the way and wouldn’t let me work in the range I wanted, which was short distance and making Taylor feel me. This is professional boxing, it’s not too much to ask for him to let me go do my job. I’m gonna keep working hard and come back even better. You can count on that.”

Gomez looked to gain some momentum with a strong sixth round, perhaps his best frame of the fight, but even then Taylor was able to punctuate the round by landing a big power shot at the bell. Gomez continued to press through the final rounds, but Taylor stood tough and offered enough resistance to clinch the victory on the cards. Overall, Taylor held a 160 to 120 advantage in punches landed.