April 5, 2007
TOKYO, JAPAN
Elongated OPBF top ranked Japanese super-welter champ Nobuhiro Ishida (17-5-2, 6 KOs), 154, utilized his longer reach and superior speed in stopping mandatory challenger Tatsuki Kawasaki (20-3, 16 KOs), 154, a stout-built southpaw, at 1:39 of the sixth to retain his national belt on Thursday in Tokyo, Japan.
Ishida made Kawasaki a bloody mess with his fine display of sharp jabs and left-right combinations. The champ dropped the game but less skillful challenger with a one-two combination in the first round, and it became a lopsided affair since except in the third when Kawasaki attempted to retaliate with wild hooks in the close range. The sixth saw Ishida explode with countering rights to Kawasaki’s bloodied face with precision and rock him repeatedly, when referee Uratani made a well-received halt. The 6’1” Ishida grew up from the 112-pound amateur boxer to the full-fledged 154-pounder, and showed his career best performance.
Promoter: Soka Arisawa Promotions.
(4-5-07)