OSAKA, Japan: Japan’s Ryo Miyazaki pounded out a split decision victory over Pornsawan Porpramook of Thailand to win the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) minimumweight title on Monday.

Two judges scored the bout 116-112 and 116-111 in favor of Miya-zaki, while the third marked it 114-113 for Pornsawan.

Miyazaki, 24, who is ranked WBA minimumweight number two, improved his record to 18 wins, including 10 KOs and three draws, while Pornsawan, ranked fourth, has now 27 wins, including 17 KOs, against five defeats and a draw.

“It’s been my dream to become the world champion since I started boxing. I’m really happy that I made it. My fans cheered me up and I thought I shouldn’t give up. I’m determined to be stronger,” said Miyazaki.

Pornsawan said: “I thought I won, so I was dissatisfied with the result. Miyazaki was not so strong. My punch to the stomach was ruled as a low blow. I don’t think the referee was fair.”