November 17, 2009
TOKYO, JAPAN
Japanese light-fly prospect, JBC#6 Masayuki Kuroda (15-3, 11 KOs), 108.75, defeated OPBF#2 ranked Filipino Nelson Llanos (19-19-2, 9 KOs), 108.25, by a unanimous decision (79-74 twice and 78-74) over eight hot rounds on Tuesday in Tokyo, Japan.
The taller Japanese, handled by ex-OPBF champ Shosei Nitta, made a good start, sweeping the first four rounds. But Llanos, a much shorter infighter, recklessly mixed it up to be in command in the fifth and sixth, boring in with a two-fisted attack, plus his third punch (headbutt) against which referee Fukuchi often gave him warnings. Though Kuroda suffered gashes on both eyebrows, he showed a last surge down the stretch to score an important victory. Llanos complained of a slippery canvas, but showed a good fight.
Promoter: Nitta Promotions.
Matchmaker: Joe Koizumi.
(11-17-09)