December 8, 2004
TOKYO, JAPAN-Former two-time world challenger Akihiko Nago (24-5-1, 15 KOs), 119.75, decked two-time Japanese national champ and ex-Olympian Setsuo Segawa (21-6, 12 KOs), 120.25, three times and pounded out a lopsided decision (100-87, 100-88 and 99-89) over ten furious rounds on Wednesday night in Tokyo, Japan.
Nago, a southpaw hard-puncher who had been unsuccessful in winning the WBA and the WBC 115-pound belts from Hideki Todaka and Masamori Tokuyama respectively, proved he could still punch so effectively that he dropped the 36-year-old veteran with a looping left hook in the third. Faltering and frustrated in the one-sided proceedings, Segawa attempted to mix it up in the close quarter, but Nago responded with strong body bombardments, sending him to the deck twice in the ninth. Game and gallant as he was, what Segawa could show was to last the affair by utilizing constant clinches and notorious head-butts.
Japanese #9 ranked 130-pounder Hidekazu Matsunobu (28-7-2, 18 KOs), 140, appeared much heavier than usual, and easily sank a terribly mediocre Thailander Wirai Sakprakecha (reportedly 7-6, 1 KO), 135.75, for the count at 2:58 of the second round in a scheduled eight.
Promoter: Miyata Promotions.
(12-8-04)
December 8, 2004
OSAKA, JAPAN-Fast-rising Katsunari Takayama (14-1, 7 KOs), 106.75, floored ex-Thai national champ Namchai Thaksin-isarn (11-13, 2 KOs), 106.5, each once in the second and the next rounds en route to a fine KO win at 1:48 of the third session on Wednesday night in Osaka, Japan.
Having defeated Filipino champ Elmer Gejon on points in his last showing, Takayama displayed his fast combinations and improved power in collapsing Namchai in agony with vicious body shots.
Former national 105-pound and 108-pound champ Keisuke Yokoyama (19-12-3, 11 KOs), 114.5, from Tokyo, fought to a majority draw (76-76 twice and 77-75 against him) with local boy Yuki Murai (9-5-4, 3 KOs), 115, over eight. Ex-Japanese 108-pound champ Takayuki Korogi (9-5-4, 3 KOs), 107.25, was held to a majority draw (76-76 twice and 77-75 for him) by Shigeki Ichinomiya (5-6-4, 1 KO), 107.25, over eight.
Promoter: Green Tsuda Promotions.
Matchmaker: Joe Koizumi (as for the Takayama vs. Namchai main event).
(12-8-04)