Kosei Tanaka won the WBO minimumweight crown on Saturday in his fifth pro fight, defeating Julian Yedras of Mexico by unanimous decision.
The 19-year-old Tanaka, ranked second in the division, established a Japanese record for the fewest fights needed to win a world title by beating his top-ranked opponent at Komaki Park Arena. He has won all five of his fights, two by knockout.
"I've always aspired to win this (belt). It hasn't sunk in that I've actually reached it," said Tanaka. "I was nervous and there was pressure, too, but I could keep my feet on the ground from the start of the match. It was a mental battle."
The previous mark was set by Naoya Inoue in April 2014, when he won the WBC light flyweight title in his sixth pro fight.
