Boxing: Japan’s Yamanaka defends WBC bantamweight title

World Boxing Council (WBC) bantamweight Champion Shinsuke Yamanaka of Japan (R) exchanges punches with challenger Vic Darchinyan of Armenia (L) during their title bout in Tokyo on April 6, 2012. Yamanaka defended his WBC bantamweight title with a unanimous decision. AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA

TOKYO—Japan’s Shinsuke Yamanaka defended his World Boxing Council (WBC) bantamweight title with a unanimous points decision over Vic Darchinyan on Friday.

The three judges scored it 117-111, 116-112 and 116-112 in favour of the defending champion.

It was his first defense of the title he won in November last year, improving his record to 16 wins, including 11 KOs, and two draws.

“I defeated a big name. I think everybody will recognize me with this victory,” said Yamanaka, 29.

The Armenian-born Darchinyan, who fights for Australia, is ranked fourth in the WBC. He now has 37 wins, including 27 KOs, against four defeats and a draw.