January 25, 2008
January 25, 2008
TOKYO, JAPAN
Only once beaten prospect, Japan’s #6 super-bantam Yu Enya (18-1, 9 KOs), 122, physically overpowered previously unbeaten baby-face Kota Ueno (9-1-1, 4 KOs), 121.5, a talented southpaw, to be awarded a split but well-received decision (77-76, 77-75 and 76-77) over eight fast rounds on Friday in Tokyo, Japan.
Enya, managed by ex-WBC super-fly champ Hiroshi “Untouchable” Kawashima, failed to win the national 122-pound belt, losing a close but unanimous nod (95-96, 94-97 and 93-98) to currently WBC#4 Akifumi Shimoda to suffer his sole setback last August. The taller muscular prospect took on the unbeaten ex-Novice King tournament winner, six years his junior at 21, and it looked like an encounter of a featherweight and a bantamweight due to their apparent difference of physique. Ueno fought well by utilizing southpaw right hooks to the onrushing opponent in the first three sessions, but Enya outhustled him with persistent body bombardments that had the youngster at bay in the fifth. Ueno, handled by ex-OPBF champ Yamato Mitani, displayed his last surge, which, however, wasn’t enough to overcome his early deficits on points. Ueno, with good reflexes and strong heart, seems promising, if physically more mature in the near future.
Strange enough, the last four 8-rounders all resulted in split decision or majority verdict. Takayasu Kobayashi (11-2-2, 2 KOs), 114.75, floored sharp southpaw Masafumi Tonomura (8-5, 4 KOs), 114.5, in the fourth and earned a majority duke (77-75, 78-74 and 76-76) over eight. The tide turned in the fourth, though Tonomura was winning in the first three sessions. Less powerful but crafty Hideki Imanishi (13-6-1, 3 KOs), 114.5, was awarded a debatable split nod (77-76 twice and 76-78) over Junnosuke Nagayasu (10-4, 3 KOs), 115, over eight. Myoga Yoshinori (8-1-2, 1 KO), 114.75, eked out a split decision over Yasuhiro Sasaki (6-4, no KO), 115, over eight.
Promoter: Kawashima Promotions.
(1-25-08)