April 25, 2008
TOKYO, JAPAN
Ex-OPBF and national super-feather champ Yusuke Kobori (22-2-1, 11 KOs), Japan, will make an ambitious crack at the WBA lightweight throne against Nicaraguan Jose Alfaro (20-3, 18 KOs), in Tokyo on May 19. Kobori engaged in six sparring sessions with WBC feather ruler Jorge Linares and showed his determination to win the belt on Thursday. This title bout was abruptly announced just a month and a half before the event. Kobori said, gIfll go forward and mix up with the champ to win the belt.h His sparmate Linares, who is slated to defend his own 126-pound belt against Colombian Feider Viloria in Mexico on May 31, also admitted Koborifs determination and good condition this time, though he had previously toyed with him in every sparring. On the undercard, WBA top lightweight contender Paulus Moses (22-0, 16 KOs), Namibia, will participate in a 10-round tune-up bout with Yauhen Krulik (7-10-2, no KO), Belarus, as he is promised to get a shot at the Alfaro-Kobori winner. This show is staged by Kadoebi Jewel Promotions in association with Don King Productions.
(4-25-08)