August 16, 2003
OSAKA, JAPAN-Fast-moving Eiji Kojima (9-1, 2 KOs), 114.75, Japan, acquired the vacant OPBF 115-pound title as he overcame a give-and-take extravaganza and earned a hairline split decision (116-115, 116-112 and 112-116) over Thai champ Waenpetch Chuwatana (17-8-1, 11 KOs), 115, over 12 hard-fought frames on Saturday night in Osaka, Japan.
Kojima, then OPBF champ, renounced his regional belt to have an ambitious crack at the WBA belt against Venezuelan Alexander Munoz only to be embalmed in two rounds in July of the previous year. The shifty southpaw once defeated by a close but unanimous nod over Waenpetch here months ago. Following a relinquishment of Hideyasu Ishihara, they fought in a grudge fight for the vacant OPBF crown, but it became a harder fight for Kojima. The Japanese lefty, probably a bit overconfident due to his previous victory, made a good start with his swift footwork and quick combinations. But Waenpetch effectively shook him up with solid rights in the fourth and sixth. Kojima showed his belt in round seven, when his well-timed left had the Thailander reeling to the ropes. Without the ropes Waenpetch would have fallen. Kojima went all out for a kill, but Waenpetch amazingly displayed his retaliation to escape from a crisis. The 10th saw Kojima sustain a cut over the right eyebrow by an accidental butt. They desperately swapped punches in the last two sessions. It was a really good fight.
Promoter: Kanazawa Promotions.
Matchmaker: Joe Koizumi.
(8-16-03)