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TOKONAME, Aichi (Kyodo) — Japanese boxer Masamichi Yabuki won the IBF light flyweight belt from South Africa’s Sivenathi Nontshinga with a ninth-round technical knockout Saturday.
Former WBC light flyweight champion Yabuki knocked Nontshinga down once in the eighth round and twice in the ninth at Aichi International Exhibition Center in Tokoname, near Nagoya.
Yabuki took control in the early rounds with effective jabs en route to improving his career record to 17-4 with 16 knockouts.
“I expected a tough bout, and I thought I would have to retire if I lost,” the 32-year-old said. “He is a boxer who tends to start strong, so I tried not to have him take the initiative.”
Nontshinga’s loss in his first title defense sees him drop to 13-2 with 10 KOs.
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