Japan's Takashi Uchiyama shocked Juan Carlos Salgado of Mexico in a technical knockout victory to become the new World Boxing Association (WBA) super featherweight champion on Monday. The knockout came two minutes 48 seconds into the 12th round after Uchiyama unleashed powerful punches from both flanks to floor Salgado.
The referee stopped the bout shortly before the final gong. "I fought at the risk of my boxing life, thinking I would never have another chance if I lose. It's a dream. I feel great," said Uchiyama after his first attempt at a world title. "I tried to knock him out if I would have a chance. In the end, I felt pretty confident," he added. The 30-year-old Uchiyama, ranked third in the WBA, improved his unbeaten professional record to 14 wins, including 11 KOs, against no defeat.