April 30, 2002
April 30, 2002
TOKYO, JAPAN-WBC #7 and WBA #9 Masaki gTrashh Nakanuma (21-2, 8 KOs), 111.75(right photo), barely wrested the Japanese flyweight title as he was fortunately awarded a hairline majority nod over previously unbeaten WBC #9 and WBA #14 ranked defending champ Takefumi Sakata (17-1-1, 7 KOs), 112(left photo), over 10 in Tokyo, Japan.
Scored: 97-96 and 98-96 for Nakanuma, and 96-96. This reporter saw it 96-95 for Sakata.
The faster champ Sakata, making his 4th defense, threw twice as many punches as the stiff but more powerful opponent, and seemingly dominated more rounds than Nakanuma.
Though outhustled by the busier champ throughout, Nakanuma, who had entered the top ten thanks to his upset decision over imported Thailander Panieng Okuda last year, occasionally caught him with roundhouse shots, shaking him up in the 7th and 9th, which might carry him to the coronation.
Japanese #3 middle Bull Okabe (9-4, 9 KOs), 161, put Tyson Takei (AKA Sungchun Lee, 18-11, 14 KOs), 159.5, prone on the deck with a single left hook at 2:11 of the opening canto.
Promoter: Kyoei Promotions.
(4-30-02)