The scores were 116-112, 116-112, 118-110, in a test of courage and testing stamina from Avni, who was tiring towards the end, as a result of his herculean labours.
Yildirim suffered the only defeat of his career last year, when he was knocked out badly in three rounds by Chris Eubank Jr. in a clash that was part of the World Boxing Super Series super middleweight tournament.
Characteristically, he was able to bounce back in December, with a TKO victory over Attila Korda, and now this creditable win over a wily, tough veteran.
