Khalid Yafai (22-0, 14 KOs) had a perfect night in Birmingham. The British’s return to his hometown as World Boxing Association champion couldn’t be better, and he retained his Super Flyweight title against Japan’s Suguru Muranaka (25-3-1, 8 KO) with a wide unanimous decision.

Yafai proved he was superior and scored 118-108, 119-107 and 119-107 on the judges’ cards. From the first minute, the champion set the pace and attacked his rival with good combinations. The effective counterattack was key to achieving comfort during the course of the fight and to win an undisputed victory in what was his big night. The Monarch also worked prominently with his one-two in front of a challenger who could not do too much against his abilities.

The triumph was the Birmingham native’s first defense, who made the Baycayclard arena vibrate in an enviable environment.