March 7, 2011
TOKYO, JAPAN
Once-beaten prospect having recently scored six consecutive stoppages, 23-year-old Japanese Koki Eto (10-1, 7 KOs), 114.5, had a tough time coping with OPBF#14 Thai national champ Suriya Chuwattana (18-9, 9 KOs), 115, hit the deck in the seventh but barely earned a close but unanimous nod (77-75, 77-74 and 78-74) over eight give-and-take rounds on Monday in Tokyo, Japan.
The much taller lanky Japanese controlled the fight, utilizing his advantageous height and reach to maintain pressure to the more experienced Thai champ. Eto, handled by ex-WBA 108-pound champ Yoko Gushiken, turned loose due to his cornerfs strong instructions in round six, and repeated his aggression in the next seventh, when a nightmare counterpunch of Surya exploded with Eto badly hitting the deck. Though beating the count, Etofs legs were shaky and wobbling only to welcome a narrow escape. Eto came back to win the final eighth to confirm his victory, but had better improve his defensive and tactical skills.
Promoter: Shirai Gushiken Promotions.
(3-7-11)