September 30, 2001
MUNAKATA, JAPAN-WBC #10 ranked slick-punching southpaw Takashi Koshimoto (28-1-2, 14 KOs), 125, acquired the vacant OPBF feather belt as he earned a lopsided-looking majority decision over Indonesian Donny Suratin (11-4-2, 6 KOs), 125.25, over 12.
Scored: referee Wansoo Yuh (Korea) 118-110, Kazumasa Kuwata (Japan) 119-109, both for Koshimoto, and Machamud Junus (Indonesia) 115-115. The last judge might score with his heart, not with his eyes.
The 5'9"lefty cautiously outboxed the Indonesian swinger with his speedy footwork and constant jabbing. Suratin threw less accurate but very powerful right hands, taking the third and 5th. All other rounds were obviously dominated by the crafty and clever Japanese.
Koshimoto suffered his sole defeat at the hand of Freddie Norwood via KO in his quest for the WBA 126-pound title in January, 2000. He won all bouts since to move up to the OPBFfs top rank. This title was vacated by compatriot Panther Yanagida who had dethroned Aussie Tony Wehbee last December. Koshimoto was slated to meet Wehbee for the vacant title, but Wehbee abruptly pulled out and the Indonesian Suratin replaced him to fight the Japanese southpaw for the vacant throne.
Unbeaten Dainoshin Kuma (18-0, 7 KOs), 135.75, scored an important victory over Thai lightweight champ and the OPBF #3 135-pound contender Saipetch Boonthavi (12-3, 6 KOs), 135.5, by an impressive TKO at 2:28 of the 4th canto.
Kuma is ranked #4 in the Japanese feather ratings, but will outgrow this division to be gunning for a shot at the OPBF lightweight belt, which will be disputed by Yosuke Otsuka and Filipino lefty Dennis Laurente in Nagoya on November 23.
Promoter: Fukuma Sports Promotions.
Matchmaker: Joe Koizumi.
(9-30-01)