McCullough pushed Larios to the limit with a gutsy performance

McCullough gave an intrepid display, and the scoring of 118-109 118-110 116-111 did not reflect a tight bout.

Six years older than his opponent, 34-year-old McCullough made the better start with a flurry of fine punches.

But he tired in the final third of the contest and did well not to succumb to a fierce 10th round battering.

McCullough has had only two competitve rounds in two years since a comprehensive defeat at the hands of WBO featherweight champion Scott Harrison.

But his wholehearted performance left Larios noticeably relieved to retain his title after the gruelling tussle.