April 16, 2001
April 16, 2001
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN-Slick-punching ex-champ Chana Porpaoin(right photo), 105, Thailand, surprisingly regained the WBA minimumweight throne as he outpunched the nervous and stiff champ Keitaro Hoshino, 105, Japan, winning a split but well-received decision over 12.
Hoshino, who dethroned Filipino Joma Gamboa last December, made a good start in the opening canto, but the 35-year-old Thailander took the initiative with his light but busy combinations all the way. Hoshino, 31, occasionally scored a few heavier punches, but Chana kept punching and moving well to pile up points steadily.
Scored: Duane Ford (US) and Oscar Perez (US) both 115-113 for Chana, 44-1-2, 16 KOs, and Wansoo Yuh (Korea) 118-110 (ridiculous!) for Hoshino, 21-7, 5 KOs.
Promoter: Hanagata Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions.
WBA supervisor: Gilberto Jesus Mendoza (Venezuela).
(4-16-01)