Ioka defends title

The three judges counted it 116-112, 114-111 and 118-111 in favour of the champion, despite a solid performance by his Mexican opponent.

"He (Hernandez) was a strong fighter, stronger than I had expected. I wanted to win by a knockout but I must wait for my next chance. I want to become stronger," said 22-year-old Ioka.

"I know I will have tough fights in my following defence of the title. I just want to fight one by one."

Hernandez went for the knockout late in the fight knowing that he was trailing on points after sustaining a bloody nose in the seventh round.

But though he left Ioka with a cut on his right eyelid, the Japanese boxer hit back with some hefty blows in the last two rounds as he made the first successful defence of his title and consigned Hernandez to the second defeat of his careeer.