February 10, 2007
TOKYO, JAPAN
Kyoei Promotions announced that Takefumi Sakata (29-4-1, 14 KOs), Japan, would have his third crack at the same champ Lorenzo Parra (26-0, 16 KOs), Venezuela, at the Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan, on March 19.
Sakata, a busy-punching boxer-puncher, previously failed in three occasions in attempting to acquire the WBA crown all by hairline decisions. Sakata lost a majority verdict (115-113, 117-111 and 114-114) to Parra in his initial shot at the belt here in June 2004. In a grudge fight Sakata dropped a closer majority nod (114-113, 115-113 and 114-114) to Parra in September 2005. Sakata, 27, went to France to face Panamanian southpaw Roberto Vazquez in a quest for the WBA interim belt only to lose a split decision (114-112, 115-113 and 113-114).
Keiichiro Kanehira, Sakatafs promoter/manager, was negotiating a rematch with Vazquez here in Japan, but the legitimate champ Parra insisted that he would meet Sakata first and the winner should respond to the challenge of the WBA interim ruler Vazquez. The unbeaten champ Parra (who dethroned Eric Morel in 2003) has been inactive because of his injury since his lopsided victory over Brahim Asloum in December 2005. His long hiatus may effect an outcome of their third encounter. Sakata will be training to make his long dream come true with his trainer Shigeyuki Otake. But Parra, making his sixth defense, is such a crafty and elusive counterpuncher that Sakata will need to increase his war potential.
(2-10-07)