## HATAKEYAMA RISKS WBA LIGHT TITLE AGAINST COMPATRIOT SAKAMOTO

July 3, 2000
TOKYO, JAPAN-Newly crowned WBA lightweight champ Takanori Hatakeyama, 23-1-2, 18 KOs, today announced that he would face hard-hitting compatriot Hiroyuki Sakamoto(right photo), 35-4, 25 KOs, with his title at stake in Yokohama, Japan, on October 11.

Hatakeyama, ex-WBA 130-pound champ, impressively dropped defending champ Gilberto Serrano, Venezuela, five times and captured his second world throne in the 135-pound division by an 8th round KO on June 11. Sakamoto, 5 years his senior at 29, almost wrested the same belt from Serrano when he dropped the Venezuelan twice in the opening session, but was forced to retire due to a badly swollen eye in the 5th on March 12.

It is a very sensational matchup, as both are tremendously popular with their aggressive style. Yokohama Arena, whose capacity is 17,000, will expect a sell-out crowd of great many partisan fans.

Hatakeyama, after 20 wins straight since his pro debut, had a crack at the then WBA super-feather champ Yongsoo Choi only to fail to win the diadem on a split draw in 1997. The busy puncher faced Choi again and wrested the title on a unanimous nod in 1998. He lost his crown to Mongolian Lakva Sim via 5th round TKO in his second defense in June of the previous year.

Since then, he was inactive by occasionally appearing in TV programs as a sort of celebrity until he made a comeback and directly fought Serrano in a quest for the WBA light title. Despite severe criticisms Hatakeyama did it by demolishing the Venezuelan to become the world champ again. Itfs like a dream story.

For Sakamoto, a game left hooker, it will be his 4th shot at the world throne. The sturdy Japanese lost a split decision to Steve Johnston in 1997, was outmaneuvered by Mexican Cesar Bazan in 1998 and suffered a TKO defeat by Serrano last March. Sakamotofs durability and tremendous power punching made him very popular among hard-core aficionados.

The game punchers will certainly show a very competitive fight, which will cause a sensation and entertain the crowd without doubt.

Back to Oriental Boxing

Go to Top