Detroit, MI – Ishe "Sugar Shay" Smith gained a split decision win over hometown favorite Cornelius "K9" Bundrage to take away the IBF junior middleweight title Saturday night.
Smith (25-5, 11 KOs), who was in his first title bout, won by scores of 116-111 on two scorecards. A third judge had Bundrage (32-5, 19 KOs) winning 114-113.
The 39-year-old Bundrage was deducted a point in the second round for hitting Smith when he was on the ground.
Two rounds later, Smith was on the offensive as he landed a round-house right hand to the face to stun the former champion.
Smith dominated the ninth round when a clash of heads opened a cut near the eye of Bundrage. In the 11th, Smith pinned Bundrage against the ropes.
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