Luisito Espinosa, the World Boxing Council featherweight champion, kept his crown in controversial circumstances against Mexico's Juan Carlos Ramirez in El Paso, Texas.

Espinosa, from the Philippines, gained the verdict on a split decision after the fight was stopped in the 11th round when a tiring Espinosa head-butted Ramirez, opening a deep gash over the local favourite's left eye in an incident which was ruled accidental by the referee.

Two judges favoured Espinosa 106-104 and 105-104 while the other went for Ramirez 106-104, indicating the outcome of the bout could have been reversed had a 12th round been fought.

"I lost the first couple of rounds but I was winning at the end," insisted Ramirez. "He was definitely dirty and he came with the head butt a lot."