Hill Wins Decision to Keep WBA Title, Pave Way for Hearns

BISMARCK, N.D. — Virgil Hill wore Mike Peak down with his left jab and retained his World Boxing Assn. light-heavyweight title in a unanimous 12-round decision Sunday night.

Hill, in the 10th defense of his title, improved his record to 30-0 including 17 knockouts, paving the way for a bout against Thomas Hearns in May.

Peak opened a cut below Hill’s left eye in the first round and taunted Hill in the early rounds, smiling as Hill’s left jabs fell harmlessly on his gloves.

But Peak offered few punches. He scored with body shots, but his follow-up right hook often missed.

Hill looked more confident in the final rounds, jabbing away at Peak and ducking out from under the challenger’s errant hooks.

Peak, who had not fought since November, 1989, fell to 13-4-2 including three knockouts.