March 18, 2007
KOBE, JAPAN
Local favorite Zaiki Takemoto (21-6-1, 12 KOs), 127, surprisingly scored an upset six-round technical decision (58-55, 59-56 and 58-56) over WBA#4 featherweight Juan Cabrera (52-14-1-1NC), 126.5, in a scheduled tenner on Sunday in Kobe, Japan.
Takemoto was aggressive from the outset, while Cabrera gamely fought back with roundhouse shots. Though Cabrera attempted to maintain the pressure from the second, Takemoto effectively caught the Argentine with right counters to win points. The Japanese sustained a gash caused by an accidental butt in the fifth, and as his cut became deteriorated, a technical decision was taken midway in the next round.
Yasuki Takemoto (9-1-2, 3 KOs), 126.75, an elongated brother of the main eventer Zaiki, earned a majority decision over Japanese #4 ranked feather Yoshio Kojima (8-8-2, 2 KOs), 126.75, over ten.
Promoter: Senrima Kobe Promotions.
Matchmaker: Joe Koizumi (as for the Cabrera-Takemoto bout).
(3-18-07)