Kameda beats Ruiz to keep WBA bantamweight title

OSAKA, Japan (AP) -- Koki Kameda retained his WBA bantamweight title by scoring a split decision over Mexican challenger Hugo Ruiz on Tuesday.

Two judges scored the bout for the Japanese champion 116-113 and 115-113, while the third favored Ruiz 117-113.

Kameda was making the fifth defense of the title he won in 2010 and improved to 29-1 with 17 knockouts. Ruiz dropped to 31-2 with 28 KOs.

While both fighters came out cautiously, Kameda dominated the final three rounds, and bloodied Ruiz's nose.