Choi Yo-sam retains title

Choi has retained his title three times

South Korean Choi Yo-sam retained his World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight title after stopping Japanese challenger Shingo Yamaguchi on Saturday.

Choi, fighting for the first time in more than a year, won on a technical knockout two minutes 18 seconds into the 10th of 12 scheduled rounds.

It was the third time he has successfully defended the title he won in October 1999. His record moves to 24 wins - with 13 knockouts - and one defeat.

The 29-year-old Choi recovered from a cautious start to dominate the middle rounds and floored Yamaguchi with a left hook in the ninth.

"I was only at 30 percent because I have been out of the ring for such a long time. That was the only reason the fight lasted until the 10th round," he said.

Yamaguchi, seven years younger and taking his first world title shot in only his 15th professional bout, admitted it had been a learning experience.

"He hit me so hard that I felt the lights were going to go out. I have learnt a lesson and will try to use it to my advantage next time," said Yamaguchi.

The Japanese left the ring with a record of 11 wins - five inside the distance - three losses and one draw.