OSAKA (Japan), July 22: Japanese challenger Nobuo Nashiro beat Mexico's Martin Castillo by technical knockout to become the new World Boxing Association super flyweight champion on Saturday.

The fight was stopped one minute and two seconds into the 10th round, allowing the 24-year-old Nashiro, ranked top in the WBA, to stretch his unbeaten record to eight wins including five KOs.

Nashiro fought aggressively from the outset and soon opened up a cut above Castillo's left eye which eventually brought the fight to a halt.

But the victory was tinged with sadness for the Japanese whose national title opponent Seiji Tanaka died soon after their bout in April last year.

“I know my punch caused the injury,” said Nashiro. “It was a tough road thinking about my opponent who died soon after the Japanese title match.”

Nashiro tied Joichiro Tatsuyoshi for the fastest route to a world title by a Japanese boxer by claiming the belt in eight matches.

Tatsuyoshi sealed the World Boxing Council bantamweight title after eight bouts in September 1991.

“I'm determined to keep fighting. I'm glad that I equalled Tatsuyoshi's record, but rather than the record, I'd like to be a champion who can give an exciting performance,” Nashiro said.

Castillo, 29, saw his record reduced to 30 wins, 16 of them inside the distance, against two defeats.—AFP