June 09, 2003
TOKYO, JAPAN-WBC #6 ranked lefty Satoshi Kogumazaka (18-5-3, 9 KOs), 104.75, barely kept his Japanese national 105-pound belt as he withstood opening attacks of another southpaw Hideaki Shuto (11-6-2, 4 KOs), 105, and displayed his retaliation in later rounds to eke out a hairline but unanimous verdict (97-96 twice and 96-95) on Monday over 10 heats in Tokyo, Japan.
The lanky southpaw champ, making his first defense since dethroning Hiroyuki Abe here last February, often took left crosses of the shorter challenger, but fought back hard by utilizing his powerful uppercuts and overhand lefts to the bloodied opponent. Kogumazaka may need to improve his defensive skills as he too often absorbed light but busy combos of the admirably game rival.
Japanese #3 super-welter Kazuhiko Hidaka (15-3, 11 KOs), 152.25, looked least impressive in copping a unanimous nod over ex-Japanese welter champ Yoshio Nakano (16-9-4, 3 KOs), 152, over 10 lousy rounds.
Promoter: Shin Nihon Kimura Promotions.
(6-9-03)
June 10, 2003
TOKYO, JAPAN-Japanese #2 ranked minimum Hiroshi Kasamatsu (10-4-3, 1 KO), 104.25, fought to a grueling draw with #9 Hidekazu Miyagi (11-2-1, 4 KOs) over 10 rounds, as Kasamatsu dropped him with a solid right in the third to press the action, but Miyagi floored him back twice on the verge of a come-from-behind KO win in the final session. The official tallies: 95-92 Miyagi, 94-92 Kasamatsu, and 94-94.
Upcomong light Shunsuke Ito (14-1-1, 10 KOs), 140, showed a quick demolition of overmatched Thailander Banjon Sithgorson (reportedly 9-6, 3 KOs), 139.75, at 2:00 of the opening canto in a supporting ten. Lately we have seen too many mediocre Thailanders who didn’t carry the fighting spirit from their country. We may need a quality control in booking Thailanders under the proper guidance of the Japanese commission. Otherwise, those terrible Thailanders may destroy our market in Japan due to their poorest performances.
Promoter: Kaneko Promotions.
(6-10-03)