Floored in the last round, Jean Pascal edges Badou Jack in thrilling light heavyweight title fight

Gutsy Jean Pascal retained his WBA light heavyweight world title by winning a debatable 12-round split decision over hard luck Badou Jack at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA. Saturday night.

The scores were 114-112 for Jack, and 114-112 twice for Pascal.

Maxboxing judged Jack the winner by a 114-112 tally.

“I won this fight. It was a close fight,” said Pascal.

“Of course I feel like I won the fight,” said a disappointed Jack. “I thought I was winning.”

Pascal (35-6, 20 KOs) said before the bout that he would come out fast. He did - firing jabs and hooks. Jack landed a solid right over the top that definitely got Pascal’s attention. Pascal came back with some wicked bodywork.

Jack (22-3-3, 13 KOs) was told by his corner to be more active in round two. Pascal landed a couple of sold left hooks. Jack listened to his corner and punched more, but Pascal did a little better. Jack forced Pascal into he ropes in round three and worked. Pascal was loading up. A check hook landed. Jack went to the body. A short right buzzed Pascal with 10 seconds left in the round.

In round four, Jack connected with two right hands. Pascal, who retired briefly last year, worked up and down. With seconds left in the stanza, Pascal fired a right hand from Canada that floored Jack. The former champion got up on wobbly legs.

Pascal,37, came out looking for the stoppage in round five. Jack,36, backed up Pascal with an uppercut. Pascal fought back with double hooks. Jack landed a right and a couple of jabs, but Pascal unloaded in the last seconds of the heat.

Jack popped Pascal in the mouth in round six. He was using his jab to set up his right. Pascal continued throwing hard shots. Jack blocked most of them to likely win the round.Pascal fired a triple jab in round seven. He went downstairs. Jack didn’t do much in the round, as Pascal connected with an uppercut to win the round.

In round eight, Pascal bounced and punched. Jack dipped and ripped. He connected with a combination that hurt Pascal. Pascal somehow fought back, knocking Jack into the ropes. Jack landed a right to the ribs.

Jack looked to continue his rally in round nine. He landed a sweeping left hook. Pascal was punching, but Jack was blocking. He did land a left hook to the chin. Jack connected with a right and jab.

With three rounds to go the fight was tight. Jack had found a steady rhythm while Pascal hoped his second win would kick in. Pascal landed a right to the ribs. Jack connected with a combination. Both fighters exchanged combinations.

Jabs from both fighters in the opening seconds of round 11. Jack fired inside blows. Pascal landed a double left hook. Jack opened up. He was more active until Pascal fired a number of shots in the last 30 seconds.

Jack staggered Pascal with a huge right hand in the 12^th and final round. Seconds later Pascal collapsed in to the canvas for the second time in his long career. He was tired and hurt. He held. Jack fired short shots. Jack couldn’t miss with his right. Pascal bravely fought back, cracking Jack with shots in the last 10 seconds of a ferocious last round.