May 26, 2003
TOKYO, JAPAN-Formerly world-rated ex-Japanese 130-pound champ Koji Arisawa (28-2-2, 20 KOs), 132.25, struggled to earn a split but well-received decision (98-95, 97-96 and 96-97) over game and durable trial horse Daisuke Ugajin (8-7-2, 1 KO), 131.75, over 10 on Monday in Tokyo, Japan.
Arisawa, currently Japanese top contender, kept outhustling the less experienced opponent, who absorbed much punishment but came back retaliating with a barrage of punches. They fought toe-to-toe all night with Arisawa scoring with a bit more effective rallies.
Japanese #7 ranked flyweight prospect Tomohiko Saito (8-3, 6 KOs), 114.5, was amazingly overpowered by unranked banger Takafumi Himeno (9-2-1, 2 KOs), 114.5, hitting the deck in the opening session only to lose a shutout nod (80-73 twice and 79-73) over 8.
Makoto Ohkubo (13-5-1, 8 KOs), 139.5, flattened Takeshi Ezo (7-8, 6 KOs), 140, with continual combinations at 2:17 of the 6th.
Promoter: Soka Arisawa Promotions.
(5-26-03)
May 23, 2003
Osaka, Japan-Unheralded Takehiko Toki (8-1-1, 5 KOs), the son of ex-world challenger Apollo Yoshio, 134, was awarded a hairline split decision (96-93, 97-93 and 94-96) over Thai national lightweight champ Kongdhorani Poh Surasak (6-5, 4 KOs), 135, over 10 in Osaka, Japan.
Promoter: Apollo Promotions.
(5-23-03)