December 28, 2003
NAGOYA, JAPAN-Former OPBF bantam champ Jess Maca (43-19-5, 17 KOs), 122, Philippines, proved too ringwise and fast for previously unbeaten ex-WBC youth champ Masanori Sugita (15-1, 11 KOs), 121.5, by inflicting his first setback by a split but popular decision (98-96, 97-96 and 95-96) over ten heats on Sunday evening in Nagoya, Japan.
Maca, who recently forfeited his OPBF belt to WBC #5 ranked Japanese southpaw Hozumi Hasegawa last May, displayed his ringcraft in outmaneuvering the less experienced local prospect, giving him a sound boxing lesson.
The OPBF welter champ Hiroshi Watanabe (19-2-2, 13 KOs), 149, dropped Thailander Thanongsak Sor-Pharanthale (9-9, 4 KOs), 147.5, twice before the Japanese finished his rival at 2:48 of the second round in a scheduled ten. Watanabe will be obliged to face the OPBF mandatory contender and ex-champ Rev Santillan in his next defense.
WBC #12 flyweight Koji Koyama (15-2-1, 9 KOs), 114, landed a wicked right to Thai southpaw Anuparp Twins-Gym (3-5, 1 KO), 111.75, at 1:51 of the third session.
Japanese #5 superfly Yoshinobu Nakamura (18-2-2, 11 KOs), 115, pounded out a unanimous nod (98-94, 98-92 and 99-93) over Thailander Kaiyasit Chuwatana (4-5, no KO), 114.75, over ten.
Unbeaten hard-puncher Akio Konishi (8-0, 7 KOs), 116.75, floored Thailander Saithong Sriprachan (6-14, 1 KO, 124.75, three times and scored an automatic stoppage at 1:53 of the third canto in a scheduled ten.
Local prospect Minekazu Imura (14-1-1, 11 KOs), 123.5, displayed a one-punch demolition of Thailander Wanghin Chuwatana (2-4-1, 1 KO), 124.75, at 2:44 of the second round in a scheduled ten.
Ryohei Hagimori (9-2, 3 KOs), 127.25, dispatched Thailander Yodmonkon Sith-Sopha (6-8, 2 KOs), 131.25, over eight.
Promoter: Tenfyu Maruki Promotions.
Matchmaker: Joe Koizumi.
(12-28-03)