Japan's Igarashi retains WBC flyweight title

SENDAI, Japan (AFP) –

Japan’s Toshiyuki Igarashi held on to his World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight title with a narrow victory over Nestor Narvaes of Argentina on Saturday.

Japan’s Toshiyuki Igarashi held on to his World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight title with a narrow victory over Nestor Narvaes of Argentina on Saturday.

The 28-year-old defending champion, bleeding from both eyebrows, suffered a one-point penalty for butting, but connected with more punches.

“It was a narrow win. It was tougher than I had expected in my first defence of the title. I couldn’t fight well at all,” said Igarashi, who improved his record to 17 wins, including 10 KOs, with one defeat and one draw.

Narvaes, 30, who is ranked seventh by the WBC, had stood at 19 wins, including nine KOs, with two draws and one null and void.