Japan's Ryo Miyazaki narrowly beat Mexican challenger Jesus Silvestre on points to retain the World Boxing Association minimumweight title in Osaka on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old champion had his left eyelid cut when the two banged heads accidentally in the second round and the corner of his right eye was also bloodied by another clash in the 10th round as the two boxers fought at close range over 12 rounds.

It was Miyazaki's second ­defense of the crown he won by beating Thailand's Pornsawan Porpramook by a split decision in Osaka last New Year's Eve.

AFP - Global Times