ARLINGTON, Texas — Mike Jones maintained his perfect record against Jesus Soto-Karass — barely.

Jones expended a tremendous amount of energy during a crazy barrage of punches in the second round and then had to scratch and claw to win a majority decision in a 10-round welterweight bout on the Manny Pacquiao-Antonio Margarito undercard Saturday at Cowboys Stadium.

Jones (23-0, 18 knockouts) unloaded dozens of hard punches midway through the second round, connecting on many of them, and appeared to be on the verge of an early knockout.

However, Soto-Karass (24-5-3, 16 KOs), a tough, experienced veteran, survived and actually landed some good punches before the bell.

After that, with Jones apparently weary and Soto-Karass the aggressor, it was a war of attrition as both fighters gave and took the rest of the way in a fight that was difficult to score.

One judge scored it even (94-94), which would've been acceptable, but the other two scored it in Jones' favor (95-94 and 97-93).

The decision was greeted with boos from the fans, who apparently thought Soto-Karass, who was cut over both eyes, should've been rewarded for his aggression.

Jones didn't help his reputation by struggling so mightily against a good, but limited opponent.