September 23, 2001
TAKASAGO, JAPAN-WBC #3 ranked veteran Filipino Jess Maca (41-16-5, 17 KOs), 117.5, kept his bantamweight title of the OPBF (Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation) by a split but well-received decision over upcoming Japanese prospect Ryuichi Minoriyama (9-2-1, 4 KOs), 117.5, over 12.
Scored: referee Bruce McTavish (New Zealand) 116-112, Vicente Rodriguez (Philippines) 118-110, both for Maca, and Ichiro Uenaka (Japan) 117-116 for Minoriyama, the promoterfs son.
Maca, 6 years his senior at 29, displayed his experience in taking the leadoff from the outset. The cautious Minoriyama kept his foot busy and started punching positively from the 4th, but Maca maintained the initiative all the way. Minoriyama, ex-national high school champ, fought well against the cagey Filipino, who remained unbeaten in 9 bouts here in Japan.
Promoter: JM Kakogawa Promotions.
(9-23-01)