July 27, 2003
July 27, 2003
NAGOYA, JAPAN-Peter Okello (13-3, 12 KOs) (right photo), 242.25, kept his OPBF heavyweight belt as he turned loose and floored hard-hitting Roger Izonritei (5-2, 5 KOs), 221, Australian-based brother of David Izon, twice before the referee completed the count at 3:05 of the third round on Sunday night in Nagoya, Japan.
It was a short but furious battle. Izonritei, a muscular challenger, started fireworks from the outset, and the 6’4” Okello, making his fifth defense, positively responded with solid left hooks in the opening session. The second saw the champ accelerate his attack by throwing overhand rights and left hooks, while Izonritei occasionally retaliated with a few solid rights. Okello, in the third, fought toe-to-toe with the willing mixer and exploded a well-timed right uppercut, dropping him on the knees. Izonritei gamely raised himself and exchanged hot rallies with Okello, who finally caught him with a vicious right cross to floor him again. As Izonritei barely stood up, referee Takeo Harada saw him still rubbery-legged and mercilessly tolled the fatal ten.
Japanese #10 ranked feather Kenji Sakamoto (10-2-1, 5 KOs), 123.75, earned a unanimous nod (97-94, 99-94 and 97-95) over Chondan Sor Romayanon (2-3, 1 KO), 123, over 10.
Promoter: Midori Promotions.
Matchmaker: Joe Koizumi.
(7-27-03)