February 3, 2005
TOKYO, JAPAN-Ex-WBA 122-pound champ Osamu Sato officially announced to hang up gloves for good with his manager/promoter Keiichiro Kanehira of Kyoei Promotions in Tokyo on Wednesday. Sato, still 26, captured the WBA belt by an impressive come-from-behind KO over Thailander Yodamrong Sinwangcha in March 2002, but forfeited his title to Frenchman Salim Medjkoune in his first defense. Sato then moved up to the featherweight category, and had a shot at Indonesian Chris John but failed to win his second world throne by a unanimous decision last June. The handsome and popular ex-champ, whose overall record was 27-3-3, 16 KOs, will serve as actor and designer of his own brand as well. We may see a movie starring Jackie Sato in the near future.
(2-3-05)