January 19, 2003
TOKYO, JAPAN-Unbeaten lightweight prospect Chikashi Inada, 126.75, ran his unblemished mark to 12-0, 8 KOs as he outpunched a durable Mexican named Armando Hernandez (15-4, 9 KOs), 135, to win a nearly shutout decision (100-90, 100-91 and 99-94) over 10 in Tokyo.
The elongated ex-amateur star, handled by influential promoter Akihiko Honda, had him at bay in the 9th and last rounds, but Hernandez refused to go down to show his pride. The Japanese #2 ranked lightie had stopped Leopardo Roman in Sacramento last November, and will fight his next bout abroad in the US.
Unbeaten Yoshinori Miyata (8-0-1, 7 KOs), 126.75, dropped Philippine feather champ Jeffrey Onate (28-15-6, 15 KOs), 126.5, with a vicious overhand right in the 9th, winning an upset lopsided decision (100-92, 99-91 and 98-93) over 10. The shorter but sturdy Miyata, though still unranked by the Japanese commission, looked promising with his power punching and gameness.
Japanese #9 light Yoshinari Hayami (15-3-2, 3 KOs), 134.5, and #8 super-light Kensuke Fumoto (11-3-1, 6 KOs), 135, battled to a majority draw in 8.
Promoter: Teiken Promotions.
Matchmaker: Joe Koizumi (as for the Miyata vs. Onate semifinal).
(1-19-03)