October 21, 2005
TOKYO, JAPAN-This week we have seen a show every day at the KorakuenHall in Tokyo, Japan. On Friday, unbeaten but untested Yu Enya (13-0, 8KOs), 123.5, was behind on points, absorbing big punches of Thai featherchamp Denthaksin Soonkilanoynai (8-2, 3 KOs), 124, but scored acome-from-behind stoppage by dropping him twice at 2:03 of the seventhround in a scheduled ten. Denthaksin busily switched from the orthodoxstance to the southpaw, repeatedly landing a powerful shot at a timefrom the second round on. The Thailander, however, suddenly ran out ofgas in the sixth, and Enya, a lanky youngster handled by ex-WBC115-pound champ Hiroshi Kawashima, connected with a straight rightfollowed by a solid left hook, flooring him in the seventh. Though heresumed fighting, Denthaksin hit the deck again with another right ofthe Japanese, unranked domestically by the JBC, to cause thereffs intervention.
Promoter: Kawashima Promotions.
(10-21-05)
October 20, 2005
TOKYO, JAPAN-Japanese #3 ranked lightweight Ishitaro Ishii (14-1-1, 13KOs), 139, proved too powerful for overmatched Thailander SiharachSithrahmkamhen Windy-gym (reportedly 7-5, 1 KO), 135.75, dropping himwith an overhand right in the first and again with a solid body shot inthe next to finish the affair at 0:43 of the second session on Thursdayin Tokyo, Japan. Ishii, coached by ex-WBC 122-pound champ RoyalKobayashi, previously scored an upset stoppage of Filipino champFernando Montilla to his credit. Though less sophisticated and lessskillful, Ishii displayed his power punching and demolished the fragileThailander.
Up-and-coming Japanese #4 feather Ikuto Kobayashi (12-0, 7 KOs), 128,positively battered Makoto Metsugi (4-9-3, 4 KOs), 127.5, to the punchand halted him at 2:37 of the sixth round in a first eight. Kobayashidecked an upset decision over highly regarded KO artist Akinori Kanai inhis previous bout to move up highly in the domestic ratings.
Promoter: Yokohama Hikari Promotions.
(10-20-05)
October 19, 2005
TOKYO, JAPAN-WBA #8 ranked Japan-based southpaw Uzbekistani Masa FarkhadBakirov (11-0-1, 7 KOs in Japan), 146.75, pounded out a shutout decision(80-73, 80-72 and 80-71) over Katsuya Iwashita (13-9-3, 8 KOs), 146, adurable Japanese, over eight rounds on Wednesday in Tokyo, Japan.Bakirov, reportedly 21-0-2, 14 KOs including his credentials in hisnative country before coming here, was aggressive enough, whipping thetaller opponent with solid southpaw jabs and strong lefts. Iwashitashowed his determination and occasionally displayed good retaliations byshaking up the more experienced Uzbekistani, though winning no points onthe scorecards.
In the main event, ex-amateur star Tomonobu Shimizu (6-1, 2 KOs),Japanese #10 flyweight contender, decked a fine victory by outspeedingand outpunching #6 ranked Hiroyuki Hisataka (10-3-1, 2 KOs), 112, enroute to a unanimous verdict (79-76, 79-75 and 80-74) over eight.Shimizu, game and fast, is a prospect worth watching.
Promoter: Kaneko Promotions.
(10-19-05)