Japan's Takahiro Aoh defeated the previously unbeaten Devis Boschiero of Italy by a split points decision to successfully defend his WBC super featherweight title on Sunday in Tokyo. Two judges scored it 115-113 in favour of the defending champion, while one judge counted it 116-113 for the Italian.
"The only good thing is that I won. I couldn't fight in my rhythm. I will have another defence of the title so I will try to avoid such a poor performance," said a disgruntled Aoh. Boschiero tried to make it a brawl and fight at close range, as Aoh attempted to pick him off and targeted the feisty Italian's stomach.
It was the 27-year-old Aoh's second defence since winning the title in November last year, stretching his record to 22 wins including 10 KOs, against two defeats and a draw. For Boschiero, 30, ranked eighth in the WBC, it was his first defeat after 29 wins including 14 KOs and a draw.
Third-ranked Shinsuke Yamanaka of Japan defeated second-ranked Christian Esquivel of Mexico by a technical knock-out one minute 28 seconds into the 11th round to become the new WBC bantamweight champion.