Andreas Kotelnik of Ukraine retained his WBC junior welterweight title with a split decision over previously unbeaten Marcos Maidana on Saturday in Rostock, Germany.

Kotelnik (31-2-1, 13 knockouts) was able to overcome the fierce aggression of Maidana (25-1, 24 KOs) with his superior skills in a very close fight.

Two judges scored it for Kotelnik (115-114 and 115-113) and the third for Maidana (115-113).

Kotelnik is THE RING's No. 3 junior welterweight; Maidana is No. 9.