September 28, 2003
TOKYO, JAPAN-WBC bantam champ Veeraphol Nakhonluang-Promotion (40-1-1, 29 KOs), Thailand, arrived here in Tokyo, Japan, on Saturday to risk his belt against perennial top contender Toshiaki Nishioka (23-3-2, 14 KOs), Japan, at the Ryogoku Sumo Arena here on October 4. Nishioka appeared in a customary public workout at Teiken gym in the center of Tokyo on Saturday, and showed himself in good shape. The Japanese southpaw previously had a couple of shots against Veeraphol as he lost a 12-round decision in 2000 and battled to a split draw (116-113 for the champ, 115-113 for the challenger and 114-114) in the next year. Nishioka said, “I will win this time by my improved will power.” Veeraphol, making his eleventh defense, also engaged in a public training today before many Japanese press people, and looked sharp and determined prior to his third encounter with the upcoming prospect. The 34-year-old champ, 7 years his senior, said, “I respect Nishioka’s real power after our last two fights. He may change
(9-28-03)