Guillermo Rigondeaux, the Cuban defector with only six fights, proved against Ricardo Cordoba he could compete with an experienced contender.

He probably didn't make many fans in the process, though.

The polished, quick-handed southpaws engaged in a tactical fight from beginning to end, boring a restless crowd from beginning to end.

Those in attendance, obviously eager to see the main event, booed at several junctures of the fight.

The only big punch came in the fourth round, a perfect left by Rigondeaux to Cordoba's side that forced the former 122-pound titleholder from Panama to take one knee temporarily.

Cordoba (37-3-2, 23 knockouts) returned the favor in the sixth round, landing a straight right that seemed to knock Rigondeaux off balance and forced him to touch the canvas with his glove for a knockdown.

In the end, Rigondeaux (7-0, 5 KOs) won a split decision. Two judges scored it for him (117-109 and 114-112) and the third had it for Cordoba (114-112).

The bout was billed as a title fight even though it was for a next-to-meaningless interim belt. Rigondeaux obviously is ready to challenge for a more-legitimate title very soon, though.