Hernandez was more accurate from the opening bell. His right hand repeatedly found Veron’s head, while uppercuts and body shots gave him success at close range. The Cuban also used subtle movement and defensive positioning to make Veron throw without receiving much in return.

CompuBox illustrated the difference during the busiest stretch. Veron threw 171 punches across rounds five and six but connected with only 24. Hernandez landed 42 of 128 during the same six minutes, producing nearly twice as many connects despite throwing 43 fewer punches.

The fifth round supplied Veron’s best moment. A check hook caught Hernandez as he pressed forward, briefly wobbling him and forcing him toward the ropes. Hernandez recovered quickly and became more responsible with his defense. He regained control in the sixth and hurt Veron with a right hand at the beginning of the eighth.

A stoppage never arrived. Veron’s chin held up against repeated power punches, and he continued attacking through the final round. Hernandez sometimes loaded up too heavily and allowed Veron time to prepare for the next shot rather than sustaining his combinations.

The 95-95 score was difficult to support. Veron deserved credit for his work rate, toughness and willingness to exchange, but those qualities did not give him five rounds. Hernandez landed the more effective punches, controlled long portions of the fight, and deserved the decision reflected by the other two scorecards.