Friday night at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, IWBF featherweight and lightweight champion Missy Fiorentino (15-1) won a close six round decision over six time world title challenger Belinda Laracuente (22-16-3).  The bout was a rematch of their 2005 fight in which Fiorentino won a lopsided unanimous decision.  Judges scores were 58-57, 58-56, and 59-55, all for Fiorentino.  WBAN scored the fight 57-57 even.
   
In round one, Laracuente used her long reach to frustrate Fiorentino, as she effectively jabbed her opponent and landed several combinations.  Fiorentino was oddly inactive, as she struggled to hunt down her lively foe.
   
In rounds two and three however, ‘The Fury’ pinned Laracuente against the ropes and her busy work -- especially her clubbing right hands -- wore down the Puerto Rico native.  But a third round accidental head butt caused a large gash over Fiorentino’s right eye, and the fight was nearly stopped.
   
Laracuente must have gained confidence from Fiorentino’s bleeding, as in round four, she landed several powerful left hooks and again frustrated the hometown favorite with her stick and move job.   

Perhaps sensing the fight to be going in her Laracuente’s favor, Fiorentino’s work rate went up significantly in rounds five and six, as she threw numerous wild combinations that went unmatched by her opponent.  The aggressiveness would seal the deal for Fiorentino, who was happy with the win, but disappointed about her large cut. 

“It was a good, tough fight,” said Fiorentino.  “She was a tough fighter, and this time, she boxed a bit more.  I was supposed to fight for a 130 pound title in February, but this cut is bad.  That fight may have be postponed for a few months.”