July 14, 2003
TOKYO, JAPAN-WBC #3 WBA #10 ranked lefty flyweight Hidenobu Honda (26-2, 14 KOs), 115, looked impressive in dropping Yoshinobu Nakamura (17-2-2, 11 KOs), 114.5, a fast-rising prospect in Nagoya, twice in the opening session and again in the 5th to halt him because of the loserfs bad gash at 1:33 of the 9th round on Monday night in Tokyo, Japan.
Honda failed to win the WBC throne via close but unanimous nod to Pongsaklek Wongjongkam of Thailand in Osaka last November. The tricky southpaw displayed his crisp punching in decking the ambitious youngster three times and cleverly averted his attack with his superb reflexes. Honda, previously serving as a sparring partner for Marco Antonio Barrera, is gunning for a shot at either of the WBA or the WBC belts.
Unranked ex-rugby player Yoshinori Miyata (9-1-1, 7 KOs), 125.5, showed his physical strength and natural quickness as he pounded out a close but unanimous verdict (78-74, 77-76 and 77-75) over Japanese #9 ranked Yasuo Kunimi (13-5-4, 5 KOs), 126, over 8. Kunimi, who upset Australian champ Tommy Browne in his previous bout, fought well but was overpowered by the upcoming prospect.
Unbeaten ex-amateur champ Kuniyuki Aizawa, 117.25, ran his unblemished mark to 4-0, 4 KOs by stopping Ryuji Kubota (7-9, no KO), 118, at 0:52 of the 5th. Aizawa, a slick-punching speedster, is currently ranked #9 in the flyweight division by the Japanese commission.
Upcoming welter prospect Daigoro Yamamoto (6-1-1, 6 KOs), 143.5, scored a fine KO of overmatched Thailander Chatorn Sithcharoen (reportedly 7-5, 2 KOs), 141.25, at 1:04 of the second round.
Promoter: Misako Promotions.
Matchmaker: Joe Koizumi (as for the Honda vs. Nakamura main event).
(7-14-03)