Japan’s Toshiyuki Igarashi defeated title-holder Sonny Boy Jaro of the Philippines by a split decision to become the new World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight champion on Monday. Two judges counted it 116-112 and 115-113 in favour of the Japanese, while the other judge scored it 116-112 for the defending champion. It was the first attempt at a world title for the 28-year-old Japanese, who is ranked top in the WBC, stretching his record to 16 wins, including 10 KOs, against one 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.
