Sonny Boy loses his WBC title
Toshiyuki Igarashi defeated Sonny Boy Jaro to become the new WBC flyweight champion on Monday.
In the same tournament in Kasukabe in Japan, Takashi Uchiyama retained his WBA super-featherweight title when his fight against Michael Farenas of the Philippines ended in a technical draw.
Igarashi won on a split decision against Jaro, the Filipino who held the title. Two judges handed in scores of 116-112 and 115-113 in favour of the Japanese. The other had 116-112 for the defending champion.
It was the first attempt at a world title for the 28-year-old Igarashi, who is ranked No 1 by the WBC. He improved his record to 16 wins, including 10 knockouts, against a draw and one defeat.
"It was the first time that I received a series of heavy punches like his. I won it because of my mentality, not because of my technique or physical strength," said Igarashi.
"I don't care how many times I can defend the title. I just want to become a boxer who can say I'm the world champion, with my chest out," he added.
The 30-year-old Jaro now stands at 34 wins, including 24 KOs, against 11 defeats and five draws.
The fight between Uchiyama and Farenas, also of the Philippines, was stopped 1 minute 15 seconds into the third round after a clash of heads opened a gash above Uchiyama's right eye. The fight was declared a technical draw.
"I'm very sorry for my fans because of such a poor fight," said Uchiyama, 32, who had won his previous five bouts by knockout
It was Uchiyama's fifth defence of the title, which he won from Juan Carlos Salgado of Mexico in January 2010, maintaining his unbeaten record at 18 wins, including 15 KOs and one draw.
The 28-year-old Farenas, ranked sixth by the WBA, has 34 wins, including 26 KOs, against three defeats, four draws and one no-contest.
