Green Machine gets the points after major overhaul from Flores -- Sydney Morning Herald

By Paul Zalunardo, Sydney Morning Herald

DANNY GREEN was pushed all the way but defended his IBO cruiserweight world title with a unanimous points win over rugged American BJ Flores in Perth last night.

The action intensified as the fight wore on with the final round among the best of the night.

After Green started the last round with a flurry of punches, Flores replied in the dying seconds with a valiant final effort.

A raucous crowd let their feelings be known, a mood that was shared by the three judges. Steve Scott (117-112), David Moretti (118-110) and Andre Van Grootenbruel (118-111) all opted for Green, who lifted his career record to 31 wins and three losses.

"This one's for all of you," Green told the 5000-strong crowd. "Every person that's given me a pat on the back after the last affair, I can't thank you enough. You don't know how much it means to me. I love all of you guys."

Earlier in the fight, Flores let Green know he meant business by pushing the Australian onto the ropes on several occasions.

The eighth round was one of the best, with the final 30 seconds containing plenty of action. After Flores delivered a left jab and right hook, Green fought back, landing a crisp hook of his own on the American's cheek.

The pro-Green home crowd grew anxious over the final rounds, hoping their hero would secure another win.

After his previous fight against Paul Briggs ended in farce and was later declared a sham, Green was eager to not only beat Flores but to provide his loyal Perth fans with a genuine contest.

The defeat was the first of Flores's career.

Meanwhile, Antonio Margarito underwent successful facial surgery in Dallas on Tuesday, three days after taking a punishing beating at the hands of Filipino boxing star Manny Pacquiao.

Margarito had the operation to his right orbital bone after losing the World Boxing Council super-welterweight title bout last weekend.

Pacquiao won a unanimous 12-round decision over Margarito in nearby Arlington, punishing his larger rival so badly that surgery to repair the bone around his eye had to be delayed so facial swelling could ease.

"The doctor told us everything went perfect – no complications of any kind," said Margarito's manager, Sergio Diaz.

"Antonio is such a warrior. The first thing he asked was, 'When can I start running?' and we told him he has to relax for a while," Diaz said.

Source: smh.com.au