September 22, 2005
TOKYO, JAPAN-Unheralded Rikiya Fukuhara (17-1-1, 13 KOs), 122, captured the Japanese national 122-pound belt as he surprisingly pounded out an upset decision over previously unbeaten WBC#4/WBA#5 ranked defending champ Shoji Kimura (18-1-1, 7 KOs), 122, over ten fast rounds on Thursday in Tokyo, Japan. It’s a strange unanimous decision tallied 100-92, 97-96 and 98-93 (what a difference between the first two judges’ scores!). Fukuhara made a good start with his opening attack in earlier rounds, while the champ looked content to display his highly evaluated defensive skills. Kimura, who had entered the world top ten by his victories over ex-WBA fly champ Saen Sor Ploenchit (TKO10) in 2003 and ex-WBA super-fly ruler Yokthai Sith-oar (W10) in the previous year, looked impatient to turn aggressive in the middle of the contest, but Fukuhara managed to move and kept showing busier hands. Having maintained the initiative, the challenger took the upper hand in later rounds to produce a stunning upset. Fukuhara is a good-looking prospect, but had been often criticized for his lack of strong heart. But he decked an important triumph that will certainly put him into the world top ten.
Japanese #3 super-fly Teppei Kikui (19-4, 4 KOs), 117.5, earned a unanimous nod (98-93, 100-91 and 100-92) over Thailander Vihok Jockygym (28-18-6, 12 KOs), 118, over ten.
Promoter: Hanagata Promotions.
(9-22-05)