Juan Martin Coggi of Argentina retained his...

Juan Martin Coggi of Argentina retained his World Boxing Assn. junior welterweight title, surviving two knockdowns on his way to a unanimous 12-round decision over Japanese challenger Akinobu Hiranaka at Vasto, Italy.

The champion appeared on the verge of being upset in the third round, when he was floored twice by Hiranaka (17-1) and received an eight-count from British referee John Coyle. Coggi (40-1) regained control of the fight with a succession of left hooks.

Coyle scored the fight 117-109, judges Rose Grabble of New York had it 117-108 and judge Barbara Perez of Detroit saw it 116-109.