First Time Not by KO: Núñez Defeats Rikiishi

On May 28 in Yokohama, Japan, Eduardo Núñez (28-1, 27 KOs) and Masanori Rikiishi (16-2, 11 KOs) squared off for the vacant IBF junior lightweight title in a high-stakes, action-packed battle.

In a bout that went the distance, 27-year-old Mexican puncher Núñez claimed victory by unanimous decision — the first points win of his career.

The judges scored it 115–113, 116–112, and 117–111 in favor of Núñez. UD 12.

Rikiishi, 30, entered the fight riding a five-fight knockout streak, while Núñez had won all of his previous fights by stoppage — until now.