June 29, 2011
TOKYO, JAPAN
WBA super-bantam champ Akifumi Shimoda (23-2-1, 10 KOs), a Japanese southpaw speedster, departed for Atlantic City where he will defend his belt against unbeaten top contender Rico Ramos (19-0, 10 KOs) on July 9. Shimoda, making his initial defense, will at first stay in Las Vegas for his final conditioning before entering Atlantic City. The 26-year-old champ said, “I’m looking forward to displaying my best performance and impress the US crowd.”
Also, Japanese flyweight contender Takuya Kogawa (17-1, 10 KOs), left for Bangkok, Thailand where he will have an ambitious crack at the WBC 112-pound belt against veteran champ Pongsaklek Wongjongkam on this coming Friday. Kogawa, a stablemate of ex-champ Daisuke Naito, said, “By showing all I have I wish to realize my dream to win the world belt.”
Previously our boxers used to be reluctant to go and fight abroad since Japan itself has been a good market for them in smaller categories, but it seems good that Japanese boxers try to test their fists in the ring in foreign countries. Gambatte (Good Luck in Japanese).
(6-29-11)