Anthony Mundine came of age, winning the vacant World Boxing Association super middle weight title with a unanimous points decision over American Antwun Echols at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

"The Man" played the role of matador to Echols' bull to perfection on Wednesday evening, frequently scoring with his left jab and crisp right hand.

Mundine claimed he came into the 12 round bout with a broken rib.

Judges Pinit Prayadsab of Thailand and Michael Lee of Korea had Mundine ahead 117-112 while Finland's Eraki Meronnen scored it 115-114 in favour of the Australian.

Echols' much vaunted punching power rarely disturbed Mundine who rarely allowed the American to land more than one or two power blows at a time.

"I've been carrying a broken rib for a month. I knew if I didn't fight a lot of questions would have been asked," Mundine said.

Mundine paid credit to Echols who felt he deserved a rematch.

"He came to fight, I had to duck him and dodge him and sometimes hold him, because he is so dangerous," Mundine said.

Echols' camp might have considered "some" holding an understatement as the American's trainer Dan Birmingham frequently appealed to South African referee Stanley Christodoulou to stop the Australian from hanging on.

The crowd was overwhelmingly supportive of Mundine with every blow cheered while Echols' shots drew only a murmur of concern.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP