January 12, 2005
TOKYO, JAPAN-WBC superfly champ Katsushige Kawashima will make his third defense against ex-titlist Masamori Tokuyama in Osaka, Japan, this June. Kawashima captured the WBC belt by scoring an upset first round knockout of Tokuyama in their rematch last June. Tokuyama had retained the throne eight times prior to his unexpected forfeiture of his belt, including a close but unanimous decision over Kawashima in June 2003. It means that the grudge rivals are to square off all in June for three consecutive years. Kawashima was elected Japanfs Boxer of the Year in the end of the previous year thanks to his coronation, and will receive the citations in a deluxe ceremony in Tokyo on this coming January 19. Tokuyama says, gI will win back the belt to show my superiority.h Kawashima replies, gI will show again the best man win.h Their rubber battle will certainly attract the Japanese fight fans.
(1-12-05)