Nashiro beats Garcia to defend WBA super flyweight boxing title
Japanese champion Nobuo Nashiro has defended his World Boxing Association super flyweight title, beating Eduardo Garcia of Mexico on a unanimous decision.
Nashiro secured his victory with a series of effective left hooks to the stomach and, despite cutting his left eyelid in the eighth round, steadily piled up points against the 13th-ranked Mexican.
Two judges counted the match 117-112, and another judge scored it 118-110, all in favour of the defending champion.
"His (Garcia's) punches were heavier than I had expected," said Nashiro, who tied the Japanese record for the fastest path to becoming world champion by claiming the belt in eight bouts.
"It was a case of not wanting to be beaten, rather than of wanting to win."
It was the first time Nashiro has defended the title he wrested from Martin Castillo of Mexico by a technical knockout in July, stretching his unbeaten record to nine wins, including five knockouts.
It was 26-year-old Garcia's fifth defeat against 17 wins, seven of them inside the distance.
"I admit he (Nashiro) is a real champion, he was powerful. I also admit that the points decision was right. I think I fought my 100 percent. If I have a chance, I want to fight him again," said Garcia.
Garcia was Nashiro's sparring partner before the Japanese trained for the match against Castillo.
AFP
