By David Martinez / dmboxing.com

IBF champion Jarrett Hurd (22-0 / 15 by KO) scored a twelfth round knockdown with less than 40 seconds left in the bout and went on to win a split decision over WBA champion Erislandy Lara (25-3-2 / 14 by KO) on Saturday night at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

The younger and bigger Hurd was the aggressor and stalked Lara with punishing punches, although Lara countered well but not nearly enough, in their 154 pound title unification bout. 

The fight was exciting with many rounds that were close. Herd pulled away in the fight with big eighth and ninth rounds.  No fighter was hurt, but Hurd certainly put a exclamation point on the fight when he dropped Lara with a lead uppercut followed by a huge left hook.

The official judges scoring was 114-113 Lara, 114-113 and 114-113 Hurd.  Showtime Steve Farhood had the bout 114-113 for Lara .  My scorecard was 7 rounds to 5, 115-112 for the winner Hurd.

The win for Hurd sets up a potential mega showdown against  unbeaten WBC champion Jermell Charlo (30-0 / 15 by KO) in the near future.