Hirofumi Mukai failed to snatch the WBC super flyweight title away from Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (23-3-1, 21KOs) of Thailand as the champion made a successful first title defense on Friday with a technical knockout.

Fifteenth-ranked Mukai was making his second crack at a world title but he was overpowered from the early stages and his corner threw in the towel in the ninth round of the bout in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

“It was a total defeat,” said the 27-year-old Mukai, who dropped to a record of 9-3 with one draw. “I can’t remember how I fought at all.”