May 23, 2004
KOBE, JAPAN-WBC #4 ranked OPBF bantam champ Hozumi Hasegawa (16-2, 5 KOs), 118, kept his belt as he utilized his puzzling lefty style and trademark fast combinations in outscoring Thai champ Norasingh Kietprasanchai (6-8-1, 4 KOs), 118, by a unanimous decision (117-113, 118-111 and 115-113) over twelve heats on Sunday afternoon in Kobe, Japan. Hasegawa, a Japanese Pernell Whitaker stylist, almost toppled his challenger with a flurry of punches in the sixth, and piled up points steadily though he failed to finish the affair because of Norasingh’s durability. Hasegawa is one of the brightest prospects due to his superb reflexes.
Japanese #10 superwelter Taisei Marumoto (15-4-1, 7 KOs), 154.25, impressively defeated Thailander Petchanakoon Sor Samruaynamchok (2-5, 1 KO), 152.25, over eight.
Promoter: Senrima Kobe Promotions.
Matchmaker: Joe Koizumi.
(5-23-04)