April 6, 2008
NAGOYA, JAPAN
Japanese top ranked lightweight Shoji Kawase (18-2-5, 11 KOs), 136, defeated comebacking Naoto Takajo (17-3, 12 KOs), 138, by a unanimous decision (97-95, 97-94 and 97-93) over ten rounds on Sunday afternoon in Nagoya, Japan. This victory confirmed Kawase’s participation in the national 135-pound mandatory title bout with reigning champ Ichitaro Ishii, from Tokyo, who was in attendance to study his forthcoming challenger. It will take place in Tokyo on July 5.
Unheralded Thailander Taminkhao Sor. Tharnthip (8-3, 3 KOs), 107.75, came off the canvas in third, but dropped Japanese #5 light-fly Yuki Sano (10-0-1, 7 KOs), 108, three times, each once in the fourth, sixth and tenth, to score an upset decision (96-90 and 95-91 twice) over the previously unbeaten local prospect over ten.
Japanese #2 flyweight Yasuto Aritomi (14-1, 5 KOs), 112, earned a unanimous nod (98-93 twice and 96-94) over Visan Sor Suchanya (12-10, 7 KOs), 112, over ten. OPBF#7 ranked Aritomi is gunning for the regional 112-pound belt which is now vacant because of former champ Masaharu Naganawa’s relinquishment.
Promoter: Matsuda Promotions.
Matchmaker: Joe Koizumi.
(4-6-08)