Boxing In Ukraine: Senchecnko Retains WBA Title In Donetsk

WBA welter champ Vyacheslav Senchenko proved his title winning effort in April was no fluke as the 31 year old made his first defense on Saturday at Sportspalace Drusba in Donetsk.

Challenging Senchenko was Japanese visitor Motoki Sasaki, who brought a seven bout win streak to Donetsk.

Sasaki, a reigning OPBF champion from Tokyo, tried to take the fight to the taller champion but ate significant amounts of leather for his trouble.

The challenger was frustrated by his inability to pierce Senchenko's defense and had two points taken away in the sixth frame for headbutting.

The bout ended after 12 rounds with Senchenko firmly in the driver's seat throughout the contest, cruising to a 119-107 victory on all three scorecards.

Senchenko stays unbeaten at 30-0 (20), while Sasaki falls to 32-8-1 (20).

There was a European featherweight title contest on the undercard with reigning champion Oleg Yefimovych, 17-1 (11), knocking out ex-European super bantam beltholder Esham Pickering, 34-9 (13), in the third.