"Japan's Hiroshi Kobayashi retained his WBA junior lightweight title with a 15 round decision over Panama's Antonio Amaya Sunday night, although the champion fought from the 9th round on with blood streaming down his face. Amaya opened a cut on Kobayashi's left temple in the 9th, and in the 10th, Kobayashi was bleeding profusely with his white trunks spattered with blood. From that point, rather than slowing down, he began trying for a knockout, but never put the Panamanian in serious trouble." -Associated Press
Unofficial AP scorecard - 72-71 Kobayashi
Post fight comments
"I thought I won. It was a lousy decision." -Antonio Amaya
"It was a tough fight because of the cut. I thought the decision was probably a draw. Anyway, I am glad I have defended my title for the fifth time." -Hiroshi Kobayashi
"People are very nice in Japan, but they behave differently when they are ring officials." -Ramon Dosman, Amaya's trainer

Hiroshi Kobayashi vs Antonio Amaya II

"Hiroshi Kobayashi of Japan retained his junior lightweight championship Sunday night by gaining a split decision over Panama's Antonio Amaya in a free-swinging 15 round bout. Amaya opened a cut next to Kobayashi's left eye in the 10th round and blood from that cut heavily spattered the white trunks of both fighters by the end of the bout. The fight was nearly even through the first six rounds. In the 7th however, Kobayashi landed several hard body punches and a right to the head. The second half of the match was marked by close-in slugging and numerous punches, but neither fighter was able to land damaging blows." -Associated Press
Unofficial AP scorecard - 73-69 Kobayashi
Venue - Kuramae Sumo Wrestling Arena
Attendance - 4,000 (app.)

Hiroshi Kobayashi vs Antonio Amaya II

Hiroshi Kobayashi vs Antonio Amaya

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