November 10, 2005
TOKYO, JAPAN-Hard-hitting but vulnerable Shunsuke Ito (19-2-1, 14 KOs),135, became the Japanese light champ as he was fortunately awarded asecond-round TKO win over defending champ Kazuki Kobota (15-6-2, 3 KOs),135, who, despite leading on points, bled too profusely to continue onThursday in Tokyo, Japan. Time was just 0:49 of the second. The topcontender Ito made a good start and opened a bad gash over thechamp’s right eyebrow with legal punches. Aware of the gashbeing serious at the ringside physician’s exam, the champsuddenly turned loose and battered Ito from all angles and had himstaggering to the ropes with a flurry of punches. Referee Vinny Martintook a mandatory eight count against the groggy challenger leaning tothe ropes. Though the champ went all out for a kill, the bell came tohis rescue. All the judges tallied the first 10-8 for the champ. Inthe second Ito showed his retaliation, but the ref stopped theproceedings and had Kobota’s cut streaming much bloodexamined again. Then it was over since his gash was too big and deep.The newly crowned Ito will face ex-OPBF champ Kengo Nagashima in thecarnival of champions next spring.
Unbeaten Japanese #8 ranked 122-pounder Masaki Miya (15-0, 11 KOs),123.5, was also rendered a TKO win over aggressive and game Taka Bando(11-11-2, 9 KOs), 123.5, because of the latter’s bad bleedingfrom a cut over the right optic at 2:37 of the fifth round in ascheduled ten. Before the stoppage it was a competitive affair.
Promoter: Yonekura Promotions.
(11-10-05)