December 13, 2002
TOKYO, JAPAN-Ex-two time world challenger Akihiko Nago (20-3-1, 13 KOs), 121.25, hit the deck on a head-collision with Nobuhisa Doi (12-5-4, 6 KOs), 121.25, with his leg still a bit paralyzed after a 5 minute intermission, so it was declared a technical draw at 2:27 of the third round in Tokyo, Japan.
Nago, who had failed to win the WBA and WBC 115-pound title due to disappointing defeats by Hideki Todaka and Masamori Tokuyama respectively, jumped up to the 122-pound division. Nago, still very popular with his power punching, cautiously started against the speedster. A collision of heads happened and Nago downed on the canvas. Though referee Fukuchi gave him a 5 min. rest, he was obviously unable to resume fighting with his paralyzed leg.
Japanese #3 minimum Nobuyuki Enomoto (14-3-2, 2 KOs), 108, displayed his much busier hand in copping a unanimous nod over Mitsuhiro Yamazaki (6-2, 1 KO), 106.5, over 8.
Promoter: Shin Nihon Kimura Promotions.
(12-13-02)