Wanheng Menayothin improved his win record to 53-0 and retained the WBC minimumweight title despite his fight being stopped because he was bleeding too heavily on Friday.

Japanese challenger Tatsuya Fukuhara accidentally head-butted Wanheng, opening a cut above the right eyebrow that the ring doctor couldn't close. The fight was stopped in the eighth round with the doctor saying Wanheng was in no condition to continue.

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The Thai was declared champion by unanimous decision because he led on all three judges' cards. The judges scored for Wanheng 79-73, 78-74, 78-74.

Fukuhara also finished with a cut below his left eyebrow, from the second round. The doctor twice allowed him to fight on.

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Fukuhara lost to Wanheng for the second time, the champion winning their first fight in November 2017 also by unanimous decision.

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"I tried not to counterpunch with him as he is taller," Wanheng said. "From the last time we fought, he came up with a new game plan. After what happened, I'm glad I still won."

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All of Wanheng's 53 wins have been at home. He said he would like to fight overseas. His promoter Virat Vachirarattanawong said they have never been invited to fight overseas.

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