December 8, 2003
OSAKA, JAPAN-WBC #18 ranked 154-pounder Akira Ohigashi (39-8-3, 27 KOs), 161, celebrated his last fight by stopping Thailander Saiseelek Chor Chanthanyakarn (3-2, 1 KO), 160, at 2:45 of the fifth round on Monday night in Osaka, Japan.
Ohigashi, a 33-year-old sturdy puncher, kept his Japanese national title ten times and entered the world top ten by dispatching the then world-rated OPBF champ Sungkook Song in nine rounds in 1999. Ohigashi had been undefeated for seven years until he lately lost a unanimous nod to compatriot to ex-OPBF champ Nobuhiro Ishida (who once dethroned the Korean Song) in Osaka last September. The veteran campaigner made up his mind to hang up gloves for good, but wished to engage in another fight to celebrate his retirement before his aficionados. There was a ceremony after his last victory and Ohigashi expressed his personal thanks for the long supports of his adherents.
Kenichi Onishi, 114, fought to a majority draw with Toshitada Utsumi, 114.25, over eight.
Promoter: Taiho Promotions.
Matchmaker: Joe Koizumi (as for the Ohigashi vs. Saiseelek bout).
(12-8-03)