## WBC #8 122-POUNDER WATANABE KEEPS JAPANESE BELT BY BEATING HIRATO

July 6, 2002

TOKYO, JAPAN-WBC #8 super-bantam lefty Junichi Watanabe (26-3, 19 KOs), 122, had a tough time catching a negative footworker Shinobu Hirato (9-6-2, 3 KOs), 121.25, but floored him twice in the 8th to barely keep his Japanese 122-pound belt on a unanimous decision over 10 in Tokyo, Japan.

Watanabe, a hard-hitting but less skillful southpaw, kept stalking the soft-punching Fancy Dan, absorbing light combinations whenever he came close to the speedster. Watanabe, at last, caught him with a southpaw left and badly dropped him twice in the 8th, but failed to finish the affair. Itfs a least scientific and lousy bout.

Scored: 97-94 twice and 98-94, all for Watanabe, who retained the national throne for the 4th time.

### Undercard:

Japanese #3 feather Hiroyuki Enoki (15-0-1, 11 KOs), 125.25, whipped fast-moving Masatomi Suzuki (9-7-2, 3 KOs), 125.75, and halted him at 1:56 of the 6th round in a scheduled 10.

Despite his unbeaten mark Enoki needs more technical sophistication especially on the defensive skills.

Promoter: Kadoebi Jewel Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions.

(7-6-02)

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