LAS VEGAS — In a fight that might have been notable five years ago, Sergio Mora and Alfredo Angulo instead fought before hundreds off-TV in an eight-round, 168-pound fight.

And it was Mora who extended his career, for whatever it’s worth, in an eight-round split decision victory. The former Contender winner banked early rounds fighting off the back foot and survived a late surge from Angulo on Saturday at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Adalaide Byrd scored it for Angulo, 77-75, overruled by 78-74 tallies for Mora.

“The Latin Snake” hadn’t competed since consecutive stoppage defeats to middleweight contender Daniel Jacobs, the last of which came in September 2016. Now 37 years old, Mora is hoping for one more run.

“I landed better, cleaner punches and controlled the fight,” said Mora (29-5-2, 9 knockouts). “My punches were more effective and I was the aggressor. I thought it was unanimous and I won by one or two rounds.

“He never hurt me, but I felt my power hurt him two different times. It was a close fight, but it was the right decision for sure.”

Angulo (24-7, 20 KOs) also was coming off a long layoff. He hadn’t fought since a decision loss to Freddy Hernandez in August 2016, and after yet another defeat, it’s hard to see where the 35-year-old Mexican goes from here.

He’s won just twice in his last seven fights.

“I thought I clearly won,” Angulo said. “Mora was going backward so much and I would come forward. The problem here was the judges.”

Mike Coppinger is the Senior Writer for RingTV.com. Follow him on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger