HELSINKI (AP) — Richar Abril of Cuba retained his WBA lightweight title with a majority decision against hometown boxer Edis Tatli on Saturday.

Tatli was slightly in control of the bout until the seventh round, with powerful shots and rapid attacks often surprising Abril, but Abril’s defense remained unbreakable during the last five rounds.

The judges scored the bout 114-114, 116-112, 117-111 in favor of Abril (19-3-1, 8 KO).

Abril regarded his defense as crucial for the win.

“Everybody saw that I had better technique (than Tatli),” Abril said. “Edis generated a lot of punches but most of them were a miss. I didn’t expect such a good opponent. I give him a lot of credit.”

It was the first defeat for Tatli, who had earned 23 wins, seven by knockout.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.