Jorge Linares (R) of Venezuela throws a right hand at Mercito Gesta during their bout at The Forum in Inglewood. Pic/AFP

Jorge Linares retained his World Boxing Association lightweight world title with a unanimous decision over Filipino fighter Mercito Gesta in a 12-round bout on Saturday. The 32-year-old Linares, of Venezuela, made the third defence of his title and extended his win streak to 14 straight fights, with his victory at the Los Angeles Forum. Linares improved to 44-3 with 27 KOs. He landed the harder and cleaner punches throughout, winning almost every round on the judges' scorecards. Two judges scored it 118-110 and the other at 117-111. "I didn't really feel his power, though I hurt my hand in the fourth or fifth round," said Linares.