Jonathan Guzman saw his career hit yet another bump in the road.

An all-Dominican battle saw Atlanta-based Carlos Jackson prevail in a disputed split decision win over Santo Domingo’s Guzman over eight rounds Saturday evening at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Judge Martha Tremblay (77-75) saw Guzman as the winner, overruled by judges John Porturaj (78-74) and Robert Perez (77-75) who awarded Jackson for his constant come-forward style in their ESPN+ aired preliminary bout.

The difference in skill level was evident in the early going. Even in going the distance in three of his past four fights, Guzman—a former IBF junior featherweight titlist fighting for the first time since last January—landed heavy left hooks in addition to controlling the action with his jab. Jackson was never discouraged, even in fighting through the sight of his own blood from a small cut on the bridge of his nose.

Round four was rough for the former junior featherweight titlist. A clash of heads occurred early in the round, with Guzman absorbing a low blow late in the frame. Jackson was warned by referee Eddie Claudio for the latter infraction, though Guzman was eager to return to action and immediately responded with a straight right and stiff jabs.

As the fight entered the second half, it was apparent that Guzman’s right hand was compromised. The 32-year-old Dominican fought exclusively behind the jab, at times enough to control the action though otherwise forced to use lateral movement to avoid the incoming. Jackson picked up on the development, forcing a more aggressive pace though also contending with a worsening cut.

Confusion in the corner of Guzman existed as to whether he was prepared to continue prior to the start of round six. Head trainer Hector Bermudez urged his charge to bite down and fight through the pain.

Jackson took the lead the rest of the way, though not always productive even when cornering the otherwise elusive Guzman. Jackson pumped his jab and straight right hand from the center of the ring, while Guzman found success with the double jab. An occasional right hand would come from Guzman to keep Jackson on his toes, otherwise using every inch of the ring to force a tactical battle.

Eager to preserve the win, Guzman fought purposefully in the eighth and final round. Jackson continued to come forward but was consistently beaten to the punch throughout the final three minutes—or so it seemed.

Two of the three judges disagreed with that assessment, as Jackson improves to 18-1 (11KOs) with his second straight win following his lone career defeat. He got the job done as the busier though less accurate fighter, landing 79 of 385 total punches (21%). Guzman landed 93-of-352 total punches (26%) in defeat, as he falls to 24-2 (23KOs).

Jackson-Guzman served as the final bout of the preliminary portion of the show. In the main event, former title challenger Jose Zepeda (34-2, 26KOs) of La Puente, California faces Josue Vargas (19-1, 9KOs), a streaking Puerto Rican prospect based out of The Bronx.

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for krikya360.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox