## IGARASHI WINS WBC 112LB ELIMINATOR

November 6, 2011

TOKYO, JAPAN

Japanese ex-Olympian Toshiyuki Igarashi (15-1-1, 10 KOs), 112, acquired the right to have a mandatory shot at the WBC flyweight throne, as he made best use of his footwork and hand speed in winning a close but unanimous verdict over top contender Wilbert Uicab (33-6-1, 18 KOs), 112, a game Mexican, in a WBC final eliminator of twelve hard-fought rounds on Sunday in Tokyo, Japan.

The official scores were as follows: Rocky Burke and Duane Ford (both US) 116-112 and 114-113 respectively, and Ian John Lewis (UK) 116-111, all for the taller southpaw Igarashi.@The referee was Laurence Cole (US).

It was a Tom-and-Jerry fight between the lanky Japanese southpaw and the stocky Mexican banger. Igarashi had a physical advantage of estimated four inches on height and reach. Igarashi took the leadoff with his faster jabs and right-left combinations, taking the first two sessions with ease. Uicab, however, landed heavier left hooks to overcome the deficit on points.

After the fourth, the WBC open scoring system showed 38-38 by all the three judges, which might prove itfs a competitive bout.

The fifth saw Uicab begin bleeding from a gash on the side of the skull after a headbutt. But itfs his round as he was more aggressive. Igarashi, however, swept three rounds from the sixth by utilizing faster one-two combinations followed by southpaw right hooks with precision.

The WBC tallies after the eighth were: 77-75 and 78-74 both for Igarashi, and 76-76.

Igarashi, in rounds nine and ten, displayed his still sharp mobility and still quick hand in piling up points additionally. The eleventh was Uicab, who opened a gash over the eyebrow of Igarashi with an accidental butt. So, he was penalized a point due to the WBC eye-cut rule. Igarashi was in command in the final session with his still fresh movement.

Igarashi, 27 and a year his junior, gained the right to have a mandatory shot at the WBC flyweight throne against Pongsaklek Wonjongkam in a year after the Thailanderfs success in his latest mandatory defense against Edgar Sosa. Igarashi had better gain more power without losing his speed, if not so fast as supersonic as he proclaims by himself.

Promoter: Teiken Promotions.

WBC supervisor: Mauricio Sulaiman.

(11-6-2011)

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