Alexis Santiago defeated Erik Ruiz over 10 rounds on Tuesday night (Photo: Al Powers – Premier Boxing Champions)

By Chris Robinson

WBO #5, IBF #10, WBC #14 bantamweight Alexis “Beaver” Santiago delivered a gritty and exciting performance against tough gatekeeper Erik Ruiz on Tuesday night at Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.

Santiago (21-3-1, 8 KO’s) was a little too sharp and busy for Ruiz (15-5, 6 KO’s), but he took some shots along the way. Ultimately, after 10 rounds of action, Santiago came out on top by scores of 100-90, 99-91, and 98-92 in his first headlining act under Mayweather Promotions.

In a big upset, light heavyweight Paul “PPV” Parker (8-1, 4 KOs) won a narrow eight-round split-decision over Lionell “The Great” Thompson (16-4, 10 KOs). Parker dropped Thompson with a right hand in the third and overcame a late rally from his foe to prevail by scores of 76-75 twice, with the third judge favoring “Lonnie B” by a 76-75 tally.

This was Thompson’s second fight under Mayweather Promotions and he will have to regroup moving forward.

In the evening’s opening action on Fox Sports 1, Super middleweight prospect Lanell “KO” Bellows scored a fifth round knockout over previously unbeaten Antowyan “Iceman” Aikens to improve to 15-1-1 with 8 knockouts. Aikens (10-1-1, 1 KO) appeared bothered by Bellows’ power early and an overhand right all but ended his night in the fifth, as he stayed down for the count.

Chris Robinson can be reached at CRobinson@hustleboss.com