LAS VEGAS Rosendo Alvarez of Nicaragua captured the World Boxing Association light flyweight crown on Saturday by winning a split decision from previously unbeaten Beibis Mendoza of Colombia.

One judge had Alvarez winning by a score of 115-112 and another judge gave the bout to the Nicaraguan by 114-113. The third judge scored the fight 114-113 for Mendoza, who fell to 26-1.

Alvarez, who lost to Mendoza last August, improved to 29-2-1.

(Reuter)