By PETER JESSUP
Robbie Peden has battered his way to a 12-round points decision to lift the North American Boxing Federation featherweight belt in Las Vegas and will now look for a world title fight.
Peden showed composure to overcome physical Argentine Carlos Rios, who offered plenty of fouls by leading with
his head, punching after the bell and landing blows to Peden's back.
The New Zealander had an early upper hand, swelling up both Rios' eyes and landing punishing body blows that rocked an opponent who came with a 53-0 record.
It was the first time Peden had been taken to 12 rounds, the majority points decision giving him a 16-0, nine KO record since he went pro.
The NABF title win guarantees him a place in the World Boxing Council top-10, the IBF already ranking him number three.
Peden will take a two-week break to visit family before returning to camp at Big Bear, California, as he awaits re-ranking and seeks a title shot.
Aucklander Maselino Masoe suffered his first pro-defeat on the same card, when his 10-round junior middleweight contest against American champion Santiago Samaniego was stopped after round five because of an eye cut. Masoe copped an elbow in the first minute of round one, the cut bleeding into his eye and affecting his vision throughout.
When the referee stopped the bout Fox Sports television commentators reckoned Masoe was ahead after twice rocking Samaniego. However, the ringside judges put the Puerto Rican just ahead.
Masoe's next fight is likely to be on a card featuring heavyweight hope David Tua in May.
