By Francisco Salazar

Junior bantamweight contender Miguel Gonzalez (28-1, 6 KOs) defeated Michell Banquez of Venezuela by unanimous decision over 11 rounds Friday night at the Arena Monticello in San Francisco de Mostazal, Chile.

Scores were 108-103, 107-104.5, and 108.5-103.5 for Gonzalez, who also successfully defended a regional title belt.

Gonzalez, who resides in the capital city of Santiago, has won his last 11 bouts since losing by decision to Paul Butler in September of 2013. Gonzalez is ranked number four by the WBA.

The 28-year-old Gonzalez is promoted by Luigi Olcese.

Banquez (14-1, 12 KOs) had only defeated three fighters with winning records entering the Gonzalez fight.

Fringe junior featherweight Jose Velasquez (20-6-2, 13 KOs) dropped Juan Pablo Sosa (11-4-2, 6 KOs) twice before knocking him out in round four. Velasquez has now won his last 12 bouts.

Featherweight Cristian Palma won a 10 round unanimous decision over Andy Almendras (14-9-1, 6 KOs) of Bolivia. Scores were 99-91, 98-92, and 96-94 for Palma, who goes improves to 28-10-1, 7 KOs.

IN OTHER NEWS: It was supposed to be a homecoming party for Miguel Cartagena. Carlos Maldonado didn’t get the message.

Maldonado spoiled Caratagena’s first fight in Philadelphia in four years, winning a split decision over Caratagena in the flyweight main event of Xcite Fight Night 2 at Parx Casino on Friday night.

Maldonado (11-2, 7 K0s), fighting out of Los Angeles, dropped North Philadelphia’s Caratagena to the Xcite Center canvas with a sharp right hand early in the eighth and final round. He won on two judges’ cards, by scores of 76-75 and 77-74. The other judge saw it 76-75 for Cartagena.

Cartagena (15-5-1, 6 K0s), 25-year-old former U.S. National and National Golden Gloves champion, was fighting locally for the first time since a victory in Chester in 2014.

Francisco A. Salazar has written for krikya360.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (Calif.) Star newspaper. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing