Japan Reporting: Miyo Yoshida and more

Japan Reporting: Miyo Yoshida Wins OPBF plus other results

 

 

By Yuriko Miyata

 

An all-female fight card named “Victoriva” returned to the boxer’s holy place at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall on Monday night.

 

In the main event, Miyo Yoshida (10-1), ranked number one by Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation, defeated number two ranked Gretel De Paz(5-4、2KOs)of the Philippines by technical decision to capture the vacant OPBF bantamweight title.

 

The eight-round scheduled contest was halted by the referee due to a deep cut on the forehead of Yoshida caused by an accidental head crash at 1:39 in the fifth round.

 

It was the journey girl fighter De Paz who showed a good start with solid jabs and heavy straight rights, but Yoshida pick it up with plenty of short rights later in the second round. Yoshida barraged with punches in the third round and landed a solid right counter in the following round. Official announcement of on-going scores after the fourth round by the OPBF rule appeared 39-37 by two in favor of Yoshida although a third judge scored it 38-38.

 

The number one contender looked confident to overwhelm De Paz in the fifth round, but on the way, the two heads collided and blood trickled down Yoshida’s forehead. The referee quickly asked for the ringside physician to check and was advised to stop the fight. Yoshida won by unanimous decision by scores of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47.

 

“The main event should not end like this way. I am sorry for disappointing boxing fans,” said the new OPBF champion Yoshida who did not look happy. “I just thought ‘here goes!’ I could do better in later rounds. I am not that bold after today’s performance to say that I am going to challenge for the world title next.”

 

Yoshida also holds the Japanese national title at 118 lbs which she won by unanimous decision over Tomomi Takano last October, but she is planning to defend her OPBF title next month.

 

“I’ll do my best to get credit to go to the world title,” Yoshida said.

 

Wakasa wins

 

On the undercard, Japan Boxing Commission number three ranked bantamweight Yoshie Wakasa (6-0, 2KOs) faced number four ranked Tomoko Okuda (4-2-1,1KO)in a six rounds elimination bout for the JBC national title. The long distance and unique rhythm of Okuda confused Wakasa at first, but the undefeated hard hitter found the time to land her right cross in the second round. Wakasa led the later rounds with good pressure and strong right straights and won by split decision. Although one judge saw it 58-56 for Okuda, the other two scored 59-57 and 58-56 in favor of Wakasa, who actually seemed the obvious winner. This victory could be a ticket for Wakasa to challenge Yoshida for the Japanese title, but it is not likely because Yoshida seems focused on the OPBF title. Yoshida vs Wakasa could be a great matchup to draw much attention, though.

 

Suzuki Keeps title

Japanese atomweight champion Nanae Suzuki(7-2-1, 1KO successfully retained her title against number one mandatory challenger Akari Arase (6-5,1KO)by unanimous decision. The battle of two super aggressive fighters went all action throughout. Arase’s strong one-two combinations did good work in the 2nd and 3rd round, but the champion’s right straights and left hooks to the body were more constant and accurate. The scores were 58-56, 58-56, and 59-55, all in favor of Suzuki. When she knew she made her first successful title defense, she cried in the ring.

 

“Fighting for defense is more fearful for me than challenging. I know any challengers are desperate. I am so happy to have made it.”

 

Suzuki is currently rated number one at atomweight by OPBF, of which the champion is Masae Akitaya. “I would like to challenge for the OPBF championship now.” Suzuki declared.

 

Matsuda

 

But a new comer Eri Matsuda (1-0) surprised Suzuki with a written challenge after the fight.

 

Matsuda, 24, made her professional debut on the undercard and won an unanimous decision in a six round bout with JBC atomweight number five rated Sana Hazuki (6-4-1, 2KOs) by scores of 58-56 twice and 58-57. Matsuda is a stylish southpaw with a long amateur experience so that the team was confident to fight with a JBC and OPBF rated boxer for her first pro fight. Actually, she is a real hope. She knew how to deal with an aggressive fighter like Hazuki soberly with long right jabs and following up with combinations. Matsuda also used good uppercuts to the stomach in the mid way. Hazuki never stopped stepping inside and punching anywhere possible but accuracy was not beyond the debutant.

 

“My dream is to be a world champion.” Matsuda said.

 

Then after Suzuki’s first title defense win, the ring announcer showed a letter and invited Matsuda into the ring.

 

“I would like to challenge the champ Suzuki. Please take it.” Matsuda said to Suzuki.

 

The champion was a little bewildered but spoke, “I am going to talk with my boss, but I would love to fight with you.”

 

Will the challenge be accepted?

 

(Photo by Taku Horiuchi)