Aoh wins WBC featherweight championship

Against defending champion Oscar Larios of Mexico

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Japan's Takahiro Aoh overwhelmed defending champion Oscar Larios of Mexico for a unanimous points victory to become the new World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight champion on Thursday.

The three judges scored it 116-111, 119-107 and 118-109, all in favour of the Japanese challenger.

"Everybody hoped I would win, but I couldn't do well enough to score a knockout," said Aoh, who avenged his narrow split-decision defeat to Larios in October last year.

"I couldn't win the champion's belt alone. I owe it to my coaches, staff and everybody who supported me. I want to thank them all."

Aoh kept pushing Larios back with an array of one-two combination punches and effective counter-attacks to take the first four rounds.

Larios changed his tactics in the following round, but the Japanese was still in the lead after eight rounds.

Larios, who needed a knockout to retain the title, went for it from the ninth round, but suffered a cut to his right eye.

Aoh connected several punches at the beginning of the 12th, sending Larios onto the floor. The Mexican was quickly back on his feet, but by then it was too late.

The 24-year-old Aoh, ranked third in the WBC, improved his record to 17 wins, including eight KOs, against one defeat and a draw.

Larios's record now stands art 65 wins, including 41 KOs, against seven defeats and a draw.