Isaac Dogboe beat American Joet Gonzalez on a split decision on Saturday in Hinckley, Minnesota.
One judge scored it 96-94 for Gonzalez, but that was overruled by Dogboe’s twin scores of 96-94.
With the win, Dogboe, a former 122-pound champion, has become the top contender for Rey Vargas’ 126-pound title.
“Whoever the champions are, they should watch out. The Royal Storm, I’m back baby,” Dogboe declared after the fight.
Dogboe won the first three rounds, working well off the front foot, whereas Gonzalez (25-3, 15 KO) began slowly and cautiously.
Gonzalez landed only one punch in the first round and fought so defensively in the second and third rounds that Dogboe effectively had a 90-second head start.
In the first minute of the fourth round, Gonzalez landed a punishing right hook that had Dogboe covering up and cornered for the rest of the round.
Gonzalez took advantage of the situation, finally shifting into a higher gear and igniting lively fifth and sixth round action with smart hooks landing both ways.
Gonzalez appeared to land more damaging punches in the middle section.
And when Gonzalez began to move forward and let go of his hands, Dogboe struggled to reestablish his own attack.
Gonzalez either decided to hunker down again, or Dogboe discovered a path ahead.
In the ninth and tenth rounds, Dogboe was able to regain his footing. He won both rounds which was just enough to win the fight.
Two judges scored it 96-94 for Dogboe, with the third card scoring it 96-94 for Gonzalez.