June 20, 2011
TOKYO, JAPAN
Highly anticipated is a forthcoming encounter of world-rated Japanese 115-pounders Ryo Akaho (16-0-2, 10 KOs) and Yota Sato (20-2, 12 KOs) with the former’s OPBF super-fly belt on the line in Tokyo, Japan, on August 4. Akaho lately acquired the vacant OPBF throne by halting Australian titlist Fred Mundraby via fifth round stoppage this May. The challenger Sato is a WBC#4/WBC#5 contender, holding his national belt which won’t be at stake this time. Sato, making his third defense, recently kept his Japanese title against world-rated veteran Kohei Kono to his credit. The unbeaten Akaho is fast and can punch, while Sato is more skillful and experienced. It will be a very important and competitive confontation of the near-future world challengers.
There’s a funny story. Masaru Yamada, of Yokohama Hikari Promotions that handles the defending OPBF ruler Akaho, took a plane from Thailand back to Tokyo, Japan, some weeks ago. He enjoyed a chat with a stewardess therein, saying he’s a boxing person. He boasted of his gym’s hot prospect Akaho and mentioned his next bout with the national champ Sato. She then replied, “The opponent Yota is my brother.” Yamada was greatly stunned by the coincidence. Good luck for both.
(6-20-11)