Japan’s Uchiyama defends WBA super featherweight

TOKYO: Japan’s Takashi Uchiyama pulled off a knockout victory over Jaider Parra of Venezuela to defend his World Boxing Association ( WBA) super featherweight title yesterday.

The knockout came two minutes and 15 seconds into the fifth round when Uchiyama fired a powerful left to the stomach to send Parra to the canvas.

“He ( Parra) had never had a defeat before and he was really strong. He has a good jab so I planned to beat him in the latter half of the bout, but I was able to end it earlier than I had expected,” said Uchiyama.

It was Uchiyama’s seventh defence of the title he wrested from Juan Carlos Salgado of Mexico in January 2010. He maintained his unbeaten record of 20 wins, including 17 knockouts, and one draw.

For Parra, ranked ninth in the WBA, it was his first defeat after 20 wins including 10 knockouts and a draw. — AFP