## UNRANKED SHINOZAKI UPSETS JAPAN'S #2 RANKED OGUSHI

February 7, 2000
TOKYO, JAPAN-Upcoming left hooker HIROTO OGUCHI, JBC #2 ranked super-feather contender, 130, had an unfortunate night, as he not only failed to extend his KO streak to nine but also suffered an upset split decision to unranked and unheralded TETSUYA SHINOZAKI, 130, over 10.

Ogushi, a prohibitive favorite, pressed the action positively from the start, but his trademark left hooks were often averted by Shinozaki's tight blocking. Shinozaki occasionally penetrated Ogushi's loose guard, though seemingly overpowered in the proceedings.

The underdog was in command in the last three rounds with his desperate combinations to Ogushi, and his last surge carried him to an upset victory.

Scored-Abe 98-96 and Kanaya 98-95, both for Shinozaki, and Tezaki 98-95 for Ogushi, who dropped to 13-2, 11 KOs. The upset victor improved to 13-6-6, 6 KOs. Referee was Fukuchi.

### UNDERCARDS:

Another upset was witnessed, as JBC #9 ranked super-feather HIDEKAZU MATSUNOBU, 130, dropped a unanimous decision to neglected and unranked KINJI AMANO, a game counterpuncher, 128, in 10 hard-fought rounds.

It's a very strong candidate for Japan's Fight of the Month. They displayed and exchanged what they had, and the tide turned so busily as to have the crowd on its feet.

Matsunobu, a sturdy and more powerful prefight favorite, was aggressive in the outset, but Amano smartly countered him with sharp left hooks and straight rights to have him at bay in the 5th and 6th.

But Matsunobu furiously retaliated with a two-fisted attack to dominate the 7th and 8th. Amano, a lanky boy, fought back to score more accurate combos to be in command of the 9th and 10th.

Scored-Ukrid 97-94, Fukuchi 96-95 and Kanaya 98-93, all for Amano, 14-5-3, 7 KOs. The victor showed his cleverness and durability as well. Matsunobu dropped to 14-4-1, 11 KOs.

JBC # 4 ranked TEPPEI YASUDA, 146, was on the verge of a KO defeat, but withstood the aggression of JBC #10 ranked welter IKUO YAMANAKA, a taller and muscular lefty, and finally stretched him prone at 0:47 of the 4th in a scheduled 10.

It was also a give-and-take affair, where Yamanaka had him in trouble time and again in the first three rounds. But the shorter but sturdy Yasuda finally caught the fast-fading lefty and flattened him in a dramatic fashion.

Unbeaten Yasuda decked his first KO win and improved to 8-0-1, 1 KO. Yamanaka, formerly Japan's top ranked welter contender, fell to 12-6, 9 KOs with all defeats within a short distance, which reveals his notorious lantern jaw.

KOHEI MATSUURA, 116, unanimously decisioned SEISHI OHNUMA, 115 1/2, over 8. The skinny winner is 14-3, 3 KOs, and the loser fell to 9-5-1, 1 KO.

Promoter: Kokusai Promotions.
(2-7-00)

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