By Mark Vester

At Pacifico in Yokohama, Japan, Paulus Moses (24-0, 17KOs) of Namibia decisioned Yusuke Kobori (23-3, 12KOs) before his hometown crowd to win the WBA lightweight title. The scores were 115-113, 115-113 and 119-109. Moses kept the fight at close range and was appeared to be too strong for the champion.

"I hit a jab in every round. That's the key to my victory," said Moses. "I'm really happy to become the first world champion of the new year. I'm proud of it," said Moses, adding he would continue to work for the police because "I like the job."

It was the first title challenge for Moses and the first defense for Kobori, who won the title from Jose Alfrao last May.

"He (Moses) was just stronger than me," said Kobori. "When it came to a decision, I knew I was beaten. He didn't allow me to fight from my favourable distance. He has studied my fight really well."

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