January 25, 2012
TOKYO, JAPAN
WBC#3 Yota Sato (23-2-1 12 KOs) (right photo), former Japanese super-fly champ having defended his belt five times, will have an ambitious shot at the WBC 115-pound throne against Thailand’s Suriyan Sor Rungvisai (20-4-1 7 KOs) at the Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan, on March 27. Suriyan is a 22-year-old upcoming fighter who dethroned Mexican Tomas Rojas by an upset verdict and kept it against ex-titlist Nobuo Nashiro?both in his home turf. Though standing only 5’3”, the tiny Thailander displayed tremendous agility and footwork to outspeed the more experienced Rojas and Nashiro to his credit. Sato, a lanky speedster four inches taller than the champ, has been unbeaten for six years despite experiencing some tough battles. His manager/promoter Keiichiro Kanehira of Kyoei Promotions said, “It’s interesting to watch Sato’s confrontation with such a good champ as Suriyan. I’m sure it’ll be a great fight.” Sato, sometimes fluctuating between excellent and fair, lately defeated world-rated compatriots?Daigo Nakahiro and two-time world challenger Kohei Kono?both by flooring the rival en route to a lopsided decision. Sato comes from Iwate Prefecture that suffered a terrible disaster due to the horrible earthquake last March, and wishes to encourage the victims with his coronation.
(1-25-2012)