TOKYO, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Takashi Uchiyama upset Juan Carlos Salgado of Mexico in a technical knockout victory to win the World Boxing Association (WBA) super featherweight champion on Monday.

    The knockout time came two minutes 48 seconds into the 12th round after Uchiyama unleashed powerful punches from both flanks to floor Salgado. The referee stopped the bout shortly before the final gong.

    The 30-year-old Uchiyama, ranked third in the WBA, improved his unbeaten professional record to 14 wins, including 11 KOs, against no defeat, the AFP said.

    Salgado, 25, who took the title in October last year with a technical knockout in the first round against Jorge Linares of Venezuela, saw his record reduced to 22 wins, including 16 KOs, against one defeat and a draw.