November 24, 2004
TOKYO, JAPAN-43-year-old ex-world challenger Hiroaki Yokota (27-5-2, 15 KOs), 135, appeared after a six-year hiatus and struggled to earn a unanimous decision (59-57 twice and 59-56) over Thai #8 ranked feather Chatisuk Twins-gym (reportedly 3-5, 1 KO), 132.75, over a hard-fought six on Wednesday in Tokyo, Japan.
The slick-punching Yokota, in 1993, showed a good performance, though he failed to win the WBA 122-pound throne, losing a close but unanimous decision (116-112 twice and 115-113) to Puerto Rican Wilfredo Vazquez here. Yokota, ex-Japanese 122-pound champ, kept campaigning until before he became 37 in 1998, but was obliged to hang up gloves due the Japanese commissionfs rule of age limit that then forbid any boxer that become 37 to fight here. The southpaw then opened his Yokota Gym to become a handler. But the commission recently changed its rule to pave the way for former world, OPBF or national champ to fight even if 37 or older provided that he should pass the JBCfs strict medical examination. Yokota decided to return to the ring warfare and thus celebrated his comeback. Yokota, however, apparently looked ring rusty, but barely took the initiative to the younger and fresher Thailander in later rounds to eke out a generous decision. Yokota said, gI look forward to acquiring the OPBF championship.h But the veteran had better prepare more properly for his second comebacking engagement. Furthermore, Yokota should refrain from working the corner as chief second for his pupils on the undercard to waste his energy before his own fight as he did tonight.
Promoter: Yokota Gym in association with Hanagata Promotions.
(11-24-04)