The fight became more and more physical as it progressed. Fiaz was warned several times for low blows before referee Kevin Parker deducted a point in the 11th round. That deduction ended up being costly in a fight that was now contested on the scorecards.
Padley finished strongly in the final round as both fighters looked to claim victory.
When the scores were announced, Padley was awarded the split decision with scores of 115-112 and 114-113, while the third judge favored Fiaz 114-113.
Sulaimaan captures English title
In the co-main event, Ibraham Sulaimaan defeated Ibraham Nadim by unanimous decision to capture the British Super Featherweight title.
Sulaimaan used his speed and counter punches to control much of the contest, earning scores of 100-90, 100-90 and 98-92. Nadim had moments of success, especially in the later rounds, but was unable to overturn Sulaimaan’s early advantage.
Former three-division world champion Marco Antonio Barrera accompanied Nadim to the ring.
Bowen stops Coleman
Middleweight Aaron Bowen returned to winning ways with a ninth round stoppage of Troy Coleman.
Bowen controlled much of the fight behind his jab before forcing referee Mark Lyson to step in at 1:41 of Round 9 after a sustained attack.
Atang continues knockout run
Heavyweight prospect Leo Atang remained undefeated with a first-round stoppage of Fouad Shaili.
Atang landed a series of right hands along the ropes before referee Kieran McCann stopped the bout at 2:30 of the opening round. The win improved Atang’s record to 7-0 and marked his sixth knockout victory.
Undercard results
Adam Maca improved to 6-0 with a six-round unanimous decision over Cesar Ignacio Paredes.
Ed Hardy stopped Jesus Carrasco in the sixth and final round of their featherweight contest after scoring a takedown with a left hook.
Connor Mitchell continued his unbeaten start as a professional by stopping Rodrigo Matias Areco in the fourth round.
Chris Mulunda closed out the card with a four-round unanimous decision over Connor Goulding.
