December 16, 2006
TOKYO, JAPAN
WBA#4/WBC#9 Teruo Misawa (17-2-4, 6 KOs), 105, acquired the vacant Japanese minimumweight belt as he eked out a hairline but unanimous decision (97-95, 97-96 and 96-95) over WBA#8 /WBA#10 Satoshi Kozumazaka (24-8-4, 9 KOs), 105, over ten sizzling rounds on Saturday in Tokyo, Japan.
It was a grudge fight since they battled to a draw in the previous elimination bout months ago. They again fought on even terms in the first half, but Misawa, a shorter fighter, began to catch the taller southpaw with his busier combinations. The ninth saw Misaka rock Kozumazaka with a good right hook to take the initiative, which he maintained in the final session.
Ex-OPBF welter champ Kazuhiko Hidaka (24-5, 17 KOs), 153, struggled to win a majority nod (77-75, 77-76 and 76-76) over previously unbeaten Tomohiro Mitsunaga (5-1, 3 KOs), 152.75, over eight. In a contest of two southpaws Hidaka floored his opponent with a right jab in the seventh, which carried him to a hairline victory. Hiroaki Maekawa (8-1, 6 KOs), 146.25, took a unanimous verdict (80-74, 80-75 and 78-75) over Yoshihisa Tonimura (8-2-3, 4 KOs), 146.25, over eight.
Co-promoters: Teiken and Shin-Nihon Kimura Promotions.
(12-16-06)