He came back the next year however, and stopped Duran in the 9th round, to win the title. He would defend this title once, before he lost it by decision to Vito Antuofermo.
The following year, he made a comeback and stopped Duran in the 9th round, securing the championship. However, he was only able to successfully defend his title once before losing it by decision to Vito Antuofermo.