November 11, 2002
TOKYO, JAPAN-Masato Hatakeyama (9-2-1, 2 KOs), 107, finally captured the Japanese national 108-pound title as he impressively displayed a fine last surge in taking a unanimous decision from WBC #16 ranked defending champ Jun Kitano (12-2-1, 2 KOs), 108, over 10 heats in Tokyo.
Scored: 97-95, 98-94 and 98-95.
It was a grudge fight, as they fought to a majority draw last July, when Hatakeyama dropped the champ in the final session but the ref mistakenly called it a slip. It caused such a great controversy that our Commission strongly recommended a direct rematch without allowing Kitano to make any voluntary defense. Hatakeyama almost toppled the champ with a straight right in the opening canto, but they fought on nearly even terms until the 7th. The challenger showed his determination to turn more aggressive from the 8th onward and scored important points for his triumph.
Promoter: Yonekura Promotions.
(11-11-02)