YOKOHAMA, Japan — Toshiaki Nishioka of Japan beat Genaro Garcia of Mexico on a technical knockout in the 12th round Saturday to retain his WBC super bantamweight interim champion title.

It was Nishioka's first successful defense of the belt he won against Napapol Kiatisakchokchai of Thailand last September.

With his sharp left hand, Nishioka was a comfortable winner over the tenacious 31-year-old Mexican, who withstood a barrage of punches in the final round.

"I really wanted to beat him," Nishioka said. "My boxing still needs a lot of improvement, but I am glad that I beat him in the end."

The 32-year-old Nishioka improved to 33 wins with 20 KOs, while Garcia dropped to 38-7.

Also Saturday, Paulus Moses of Namibia beat Yusuke Kobori of Japan on points to win the WBA lightweight champion title. Kobori, who slipped to 23-3, had taken the title in May 2008. Moses improved to 24-0 with 17 KOs.