March 4, 2011
TOKYO, JAPAN
Unheralded and unranked by the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC), Kyoichiro Shoji (8-2-4, 3 KOs), 147.75, amazingly scored an upset decision (80-73, 79-73 and 79-74) over OPBF top welterweight contender Dennis Padua (8-2-2, 4 KOs), 145.5, an elongated six-footer from the Philippines, over eight hot rounds on Friday in Tokyo, Japan.
Shoji, a 33-year-old late bloomer handled by formerly two-time world champ Hideki Todaka, outhustled and outpunched the much taller Filipino in later rounds to cause an upset result. Padua, who had an experience in fighting Muaythai games in Thailand, was introduced as Padua D. Singwangcha named after the Thai sponsor.
Promoter: Todaka Promotions.
(3-4-11)