Judge Steve Weisfeld scored the bout 117-110, while fellow judges Jack Reiss and Glenn Feldman had it 116-111. Russell and Hiraoka met in the co-main event of "The Ring: High Stakes" on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena on DAZN PPV.

With the win, Russell (19-1, 17 KOs) successfully defended his title for the first time and handed Hiraoka his first loss as a pro.

"Unifications. Everybody with a title, I need that," Russell said in his post-fight interview.

"Adversity is something to expect in this sport," the WBA junior welterweight beltholder continued. "I feel like he was down on the scorecards and knew it, so he tried to pick up the intensity. We had plan A, B, [and] C, so whatever he brought to the table, I knew we would make the necessary adjustments."

It was largely a tale of two halves. Russell’s activity and ability to stay on the front foot gave him control early in the fight. His quick combinations, especially to the body, gave him the lead.

Hiraoka (24-1, 19 KOs) turned the tables as the fight neared the second half, and he became the aggressor. The nearly 6-foot southpaw started ripping the body and found most of his success there.

As the challenger landed numerous big body shots, the defending champion went on the move with his back to the ropes. Hiraoka’s adjustments allowed him to seize control of the fight entering the final three rounds.

Misfortune struck for Hiraoka in the 10th round, however, as a pair of low blows on right uppercuts well below the belt caused referee Al Huggins to stop the action and deduct a point. Hiraoka went back on the front foot in the 11th round, and his work appeared to set the stage for a dramatic 12th.

Both fighters had their moments and swung until the final bell to cap a fight that felt far closer than the final scorecards.

Russell swept the first five rounds on Weisfeld and Reiss’ scorecards. Hiraoka took the next two on theirs and won three consecutively in Feldman's eyes - Hiraoka took three of the final four across the board, but it wasn't enough.