February 10, 2002
February 10, 2002
MUNAKATA, FUKUOKA PREFECTURE, JAPAN-Elongated WBC #9 ranked southpaw Takashi Koshimoto(right photo) (29-1-2, 14 KOs), 126, kept sticking southpaw jabs all night to retain his OPBF feather belt by a unanimous decision over Thai ruler Saengsi Poh Chaiwattana (11-5, 7 KOs), 126, over 10 monotonous frames in Munakata.
Koshimoto, whose sole defeat was inflicted by Freddie Norwood in his unsuccessful bid for the WBA throne via 9th round KO in 2000, couldn’t show his usual zip only to be content to outjab the shorter Thailander. The promoter's son, making his first defense, displayed his best in the final canto, when he connected with two-fisted combinations, but failed to sink the game and determined Thai lefty. (It was an encounter of the lefties.) The champ will come up to Tokyo to risk his regional belt against ex-national titlist Toshikage Kimura on May 11.
Scored: referee Kazumasa Kuwata (Japan) 117-111, judges Anan Meksawan (Thailand) and Kenjiro Makizumi (Japan) 118-113 and 118-111 respectively, all for the 5'9" Koshimoto.
Unbeaten OPBF #7 ranked lightweight prospect Dainoshin Kuma(left photo) (19-0, 9 KOs), 131, needed just 91 seconds of the opening session to dispatch Thai #2 super-feather contender Tyson Sorjaturong (13-4, 10 KOs), 130.5, in a scheduled 10.
Kuma, a southpaw stablemate of the headliner Koshimoto, is gunning for a crack at the OPBF 135-pound title against Filipino lefty Dennis Laurente in the nearest future. The fast-rising youngster had better improve his defensive skill, though we appreciate his offensive asset.
Promoter: Fukuma Sports Promotions.
Matchmaker: Joe Koizumi.
(2-10-02)