June 29, 2010
TOKYO, JAPAN
Hard-hitting Japan-based American Charlie Ota (AKA Charles Bellamy; 14-1-1, 10 KOs), 153.73, impressively kept his OPBF super-welter belt as he came off the canvas in the first round and swept all rounds from the second session on to earn a split but well-received decision over previously unbeaten Australian southpaw, WBA#12 King Davidson (12-1, 6 KOs), 153, over twelve heats on Tuesday in Tokyo, Japan.
The official tallies were as follows: Thai referee Nopparat Sricharoen 118-109 (identical to this reporter’s score), judge Kazunobu Asao (Japan) 117-110, both for Ota, and judge Brian McMahon (Australia) 115-114 for Davidson.
The taller Australian caught Charlie with a looping right hook following a southpaw left, temporarily dropping him flat with a thud in the initial session. The tide, however, surprisingly turned in round two, as the desperate champ recklessly began to mix it up toe-to-toe with the highly expected challenger and had the upper hand. The less skillful but hard-hitting Ota gamely kept boring in with vicious shots with Davidson retreating and repeating clinches to avert his furious attack. Davidson, seemingly for fear of the champ’s go-for-broke assault, apparently appeared so intimidated that he couldn’t again display his excellent form shown in the outset. Regardless of big or small margins, it was a night for Charlie who won almost all rounds from the second canto. The ref should have penalized a point or two for Davidson too often holding the aggressive champ’s arms.
There were a couple of problems behind the fight scene, as follows: (1) the Australian judge’s score looked too partial to his countryman, and (2) Davidson was the current PABA champ, and the OPBF rendered a mandatory shot to Davidson without mentioning he’s the PABA ruler even though he was rated by the WBA. Wasn’t it a rule that the OPBF should not rank the PABA champ in the OPBF ratings?
The loser Davidson is scheduled to defend his PABA super-welter belt against Elvin Marbun in Australia this coming August despite his defeat under the 154-pound limit tonight.
Promoter: Hideki Todaka Promotions.
(6-29-10)