WBC, WBA light flyweight champion Kenshiro Teraji (23-1, 14 KOs) retained his titles on Tuesday, squeezing out a majority decision win over Carlos Canizales (26-2-1, 19 KOs) in Osaka, Japan.

In an early candidate for fight of the year, Teraji started brightly, using his rangy jab to set up a beautiful counter in the second that put Canizales on the seat of his pants.

The round finished before further damage could be inflicted by the Japanese star. The momentum looked to be with the home fighter but as he went in search of a contest closer he left himself open to the onslaught from the challenger who was far from being done with his title challenge.

In the third Canizales turned the tide as the pro-Japanese crown who cheered every shot from their fighter went silent at seeing Taraji touch down on the canvas courtesy of a left hook from the Venezuelan.

The touch paper was lit as great two-way action commenced in the fourth with both men taking turns to take an advantage. Teraji would start the round strongly whilst Canizales would look to steal the round with rallies as the time ticked away.

In the championship rounds, Teraji bounced on his toes, pawing out the jab whilst Canizales bore forward in the hopes of overthrowing the champions’ reign.

The bell sounded with Canizales was instantly lifted into the air by his trainer in the belief that he had done enough.

He didn’t…..or that should read, two of the judges didn’t believe so as the scorecards were read out 113-113 and identical 114-112 tallies in favour of the champion.