Yoshiki Takei was once again shown the hard way that life is tough near the top of the bantamweight division.

The unbeaten WBO bantamweight titlist relied on a strong finish to turn away a determined Daigo Higa. Scores were 115-112, 114-113 and 114-113 for Takei in their ESPN+ co-feature Tuesday from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

The all-Japanese battle between RING contenders proved to be an entertaining appetizer for the Naoya Inoue-TJ Doheny main course.

Yokohoma’s Takei (10-0, 8 knockouts), No. 4 at 118 by The Ring, was extended the distance for the second straight time. He barely survived the 12thround in his May 6 title win over Jason Moloney (27-3, 19 KOs).

A different look was offered this time around. Takei offered a measured approach, perhaps too patient as Tokyo’s Higa, No. 10 at 118, was able to nab some of the closer rounds.

Action picked up in the second and third rounds. Higa, a former WBC flyweight titlist, showed both a sturdy chin and a willingness to trade. Takei landed the crisper punches, while Higa landed eye catching—even if not as polished—shots.

A right uppercut capped a picturesque combo by Takei. However, he left his chin in the air long enough to catch an overhand left hook.

Higa enjoyed a massive momentum shift in the second half of the fight. Takei had to rely on his ability to absorb as the former titlist kept coming forward. Higa charged forward and bullied Takei into the ropes in the eight round. He continued on the attack as Takei struggled to regain control, in addition to dealing with swelling around his right eye.

Takei’s title reign was officially in jeopardy after a controversial eleventh round knockdown call. He was buzzed by a right hand from Higa, who suffered a cut outside his left eye in the round. The following sequence saw Higa land a cupping left hook behind the head. Takei dipped and then fell as his left leg slipped on the center ring logo. It was ruled an official knockdown, which put him behind on two of the three scorecards.

Takei opened the twelfth and final round with long power shots as Higa was pinned against the ropes. A combination snapped back Higa’s head inside the first minute but Takei made sure to not yet empty the tank. He showed stamina issues versus Moloney and made sure to not allow history to repeat itself.

Higa (21-3-1, 19 KOs) somehow survived the onslaught and the round, though he was nearly dropped in the closing seconds.

The dramatic surge by Takei proved to be the difference on the scorecards as he otherwise would have lost a split decision. Instead, it’s a successful first defense even if there is plenty of work ahead to survive the loaded division.

Takei is one of four reigning bantamweight titleholders from Japan.

Junto Nakatani (28-0, 21 KOs) is the WBC titlist, The Ring’s No. 1-rated bantamweight and No. 9 pound-for-pound fighter. Ryosuki Nishida (9-0, 1 KO; No. 2 at 118) holds the IBF belt. Takuma Inoue (20-1, 5 KOS; No 3 at 118), Naoya’s younger brother, is the WBA beltholder.