February 14, 2001
TOKYO, JAPAN-Unbeaten ex-Asian Games bronze medallist Norihisa Tomimoto, 123.5, whipped Filipino Ricky Gayamo, WBC international bantam champ, 121.25, in his puzzling lefty style and finally dropped him twice en route to a fine KO victory at 2:16 of the 7th round.
This upset win boosted Tomimotofs ledger to 5-0-1, 2 KOs. Gayamo, who lately dethroned compatriot Jovi Chan Halog via 6th round KO this January, fell to 25-14-2, 10 KOs.
Tomimoto, a lanky southpaw, swept all rounds by battering the stout-built opponent who kept missing wild punches. The fatal 7th witnessed the Japanese land vicious lefts to the midsection and send him twice with Gayamo failing to beat the count.
It was expected to be a tough fight for the less experienced Tomimoto, who displayed his remarkable progress in averting almost all big shots from Gayamo and hitting him with precision at will.
Promoter: Hiroshi Saitofs Kokubunji Saito Promotions.
Matchmaker: Joe Koizumi.
(2-14-01)