By Sam Gregory: In the main event on Showtime Championship Boxing, knockout artist Edwin Valero defended his World Boxing Council lightweight belt against interim champ Antonio DeMarco in a scheduled 12 round bout in the lightweight division.

At the opening bell both men start out cautiously testing their opponent, DeMarco lands a solid right jab that draws blood on the face of Valero who himself lands a jab to the face of DeMarco.

Going into round two Valero picks up the pace and backs DeMarco against the ropes and lands a solid right hand. What at the time looks like a clash of heads causes a big gash on Valero’s forehead; DeMarco has a point deducted; an instant replay shows the gash to have been caused by the elbow of DeMarco. Valero steps up the pace and the two go toe to toe in the center of the ring until the bell ends the round.

Valero comes out hard and fast at the start of round three backing DeMarco against the ropes while landing a solid combination; Valero is in total control of this fight.

In round four DeMarco gets off a stiff jab but quickly gets backed against the ropes; Valero lands a stiff jab followed by a solid combination. After the round the side of Valero’s face is covered with blood.

In round five Valero looks tired and is fighting with his mouth open. DeMarco throws a combination that gets blocked by Valero; Valero lands a strong left hand finishing the round strong.

After round five all three judge’s cards show Valero is winning every round but one.

In round seven Valero has a big round landing combinations and a solid right jab; DeMarco lands a right hook; Valero lands a double left hook and again dominates the round.

In round eight DeMarco lands a right jab that doesn’t have much on it; Valero again comes on strong and lands a solid combination followed by a big left hook totally dominating the round. DeMarco lands a low blow; he’s taking a beating and looks spent.

In round nine DeMarco is eating big shots; Valero lands several big shots that

DeMarco has no answer for.

Before the start of round 10 DeMarco retires on his stool. At the time of the stoppage Valero was ahead on all three judge’s cards; 89-81, 89-81 and 89-81.

Edwin Valero is declared the winner retaining his WBC lightweight title and improving his unbeaten streak to 27-0 with 27 KO’s. Tony DeMarco falls to 23-2-1 with 17 KO’s.