Yuko Kuroki defended her WBC minimumweight belt for the fifth time on Sunday, defeating former champ Mari Ando by unanimous decision.
Kuroki, 25, used her strong left to good effect, sending the 29-year-old Ando to the canvas in the second and fifth rounds. In the late rounds, Kuroki fended off her compatriot when she came in close at Fukuoka Kyuden Kinen Gymnasium.
"I wanted a knockout win. I was pushed a bit by Ando-san mentally," Kuroki said. "Although this is my fifth defense, I'm still green, and think I can grow much more from here."
Kuroki improved to 17-4 with one draw and eight wins by knockout.