 He defended the title twice before losing it in 2000 to Ener Julio in a close split decision.In 2002, he won the interim WBA Light Welterweight title with a 3rd-round KO win over Demetrio Ceballos.He fought Diosbelys Hurtado for the vacant WBA Light Welterweight title but lost courtesy of a KO in the 7th round.