Photos: Sumio Yamada

35-year-old former world champion Moruti Mthalane (36-2, 24 KOs) of South Africa won a close twelve round unanimous decision over the less experienced Muhammad Waseem (8-1, 6 KOs) of Pakistan in a bout for the vacant IBF flyweight title on Saturday night at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Mthalane often outworked Waseem, who was bidding to become the first world champion from Pakistan. Waseem came on strong late, dropping Mthalane at the end of round eleven. They went toe-to-toe in the final stanza. In the end, Mthalane prevailed 114-113, 114-113, 116-110.