Uniondale, New York - In a crossroads fight between two former welterweight world champions, Andre Berto (32-5, 24 KOs) survived a bad start to rally down the stretch to win a twelve round split decision over Devon Alexander (27-5-1, 14 KOs). The scores were 114-113 for Alexander, 115-112 for Berto and 115-112 for Berto.

Berto has been out of the ring since April 2017, when he suffered a ninth round TKO loss at the hands of Shawn Porter in a WBC world title eliminator.

Alexander was in action back in February, when he fought to a twelve round majority draw with fellow former champ Victor Ortiz. It was Ortiz's second fight since suffering an upset loss to Aaron Martinez in October 2015.

The first round was very close, with Berto possibly gaining a slight edge. Both boxers were jabbing very well. There was a lot of holding when they came close. Alexander was picking things up in the second round and connecting with solid punches.

In the third round, Alexander dropped Berto with two shots that landed to the back of the head - but the referee ruled it a knockdown as Berto turned his head as the punches came at him. Alexander continued to work Berto over in the round.

Plenty of punches were being exchanged in the fourth. Alexander was landing the better punches. Berto was able to put together a few solid hits in the fifth, as he was making certain adjustments to Alexander's style. A very close sixth, where both boxers had their moments.

Berto was doing good work on the inside in the seventh. During the action, Berto suffered a cut near his right eye. Alexander appeared to slow down as Berto was doing good work on the inside.

Berto continued to pressure and let his hands go at the start of the eight. He continued to outwork Alexander for most of the round. In the ninth, Berto was digging on the inside as they were in close. Alexander landed a few good shots as well. There was a lot of inside fighting with Berto doing solid work on the inside.

The eleventh was also close, with both fighters doing good work. Berto came out like a man on a mission in the twelfth, coming forward and throwing with both hands. Alexander was answering back as they exchanged shots on the inside. They were both going for broke, and there were heavy shots landing for both, with the crowd on their feet as the two former champions continued to trade until the final bell.

Also on the card, hot junior middleweight prospect Joey Spencer (4-0, 4 KOs) blasted out Bruce Lutchmedial (2-5).

A series of hard hooks to the body sent Lutchmedial down in the second round. He made it up and then Spencer pressed Lutchmedial against the ropes and unloaded with combinations to send him down for a second time and the contest was waved off.