TOKYO - WBA light flyweight champion Koki Kameda of Japan defended his title on Wednesday in an eye-catching rematch against Juan Landaeta of Venezuela.

Japan's champion Koki Kameda, left, hits Venezuela's challenger Juan Landaeta with a left during the 11th round of their 12-round WBA light flyweight title bout Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2006 in Tokyo. Kameda retained his crown with a unanimous decision. [AP]

Kameda won a controversial decision against Landaeta for the vacant WBA title in August, though judges ruled the bout 119-108, 116-111, 115-113, all in favor of Kameda this time.

"I'm sorry I had to win for all the people watching on TV who don't like me," Kameda was quoted as saying by Kyodo News, he said he won "by a big margin" this time.

Landaeta said that he did not expected such a result, "but I have to take my hat off to him this time," he was quoted.

Kameda is the eldest of three brothers in a Japanese "boxing family." He is also the third youngest Japanese boxer to win a world title at 19 years, 8 months, following Masahiko "Fighting" Harada and Hiroki Ioka.

In August, Kameda was surprisingly awarded the WBA title even though it looked as if he was outfought by Landaeta. The controversial result sparked outcry from media and fans, with some saying that Kameda did not deserve it and Landaeta was the real champion.