Starling Will Defend Title Against Japanese Boxer

Marlon Starling, World Boxing Assn. welterweight champion, will make his first title defense against Japan’s Fujio Ozaki in February, Ozaki’s manager says.

The 12-round title fight will be held at Atlantic City, N.J. on Feb. 5, said manager Akihiko Honda.

It will be the first shot at a world title for the eighth-ranked Ozaki, who has a record of 21 victories, including 14 KOs, against four defeats.

Starling has won 42 fights, including 26 by KO, and lost four.

Starling won the championship by knocking out American Mark Breland last August in the 11th round.