In an intense, one-sided slugfest, hard-hitting Darchinyan (32-1-1, 26 KOs) retained his IBF, WBC and WBA super flyweight world titles with an 11th-round TKO over heated rival and former world champion Arce (51-5-1, 39 KOs).

"He surprised me. I didn't expect a fight from him like this," said Darchinyan, who was ahead 109-100 on the three judges' scorecards after 11 completed rounds. "But he was tough. He is a good fighter. I hit him with some good shots, but he kept coming back."

"I would have liked to knock him out cold, but this is OK. I am happy. I feel great. Maybe if it goes another round, I knock him out."

Darcinyan was making his first defense since unifying the 115-pound division with a ninth-round knockout over Mexico's Cristian Mijares Nov. 1, 2008. The loss ended a five-fight winning streak for Arce, who had won 31 out of 32 entering the bout.

In the evening's co-feature, DeMarco (21-1-1, 15 KOs) scored a thrilling, hard-fought ninth-round TKO over "Kid Diamond" (27-2-1, 15 KOs) to capture the NABO lightweight title.

DeMarco got the victory when Kid Diamond would not come out for the 10th round due to an injury. At the finish of a good action fight that featured many exchanges, DeMarco was ahead on two scorecards, 88-83, and behind on the other, 86-85.

"I got the confidence to enter the ring from my family and trainers." DeMarco said. "They believed in me and trained me and that's how I got the win."