John Duddy (29-1,18kos)  beat Michael Medina  (23-2-2, 18 kos) by split decision at Cowboys Stadium on the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao/Joshua Clottey at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday night.

Duddy looked solid, if not spectacular, in the win, and though he did not make the statement he might have wished on the biggest stage of his career, he clocked up another victory which preserves his chances of a title fight.

The Irishman was the busier fighter throughout, and though he never really hurt his opponent or threatened a knockout, he imposed himself enough throughout the course of the fight to get the nod from two of the three judges.

Medina's cause was not helped when he was deducted a point for a low blow in the eighth round, and the fight ended with a bang as the two traded stinging shots on the ropes before the final bell rang.

Judges Mike Mitchell and Charles Phillips scored it 96-93 for Duddy, while Arturo Velasquez scored it 96-93 in favor of Medina.

With this win, Duddy could set up a June clash with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in New York.