February 17, 2013
OSAKA, JAPAN
Unbeaten Japanese heavyweight Rio Hidaka (10-0, 8 KOs), 216.75, defeated New Zealander Clarence Tilman (11-11-2, 6 KOs), 274, by a nearly lopsided decision (79-74 twice and 79-73) over eight hard-fought rounds on Sunday in Sanda, Japan.
Hidaka controlled the contest with his constant pressure and solid overhand rights, but the much taller and heavier Tilman occasionally landed a vicious punch to the face at a time. Hidaka, too anxious to finish his foe, looked too tense and stiff to throw punches smoothly, but he was an aggressor all the way. The 6f4h Tilman withstood the shorter Japanese bangerfs shots and attempted to land his wicked right cross. Hidaka, who had always asked for more bouts, has been already booked in Osaka this coming May. He stays busy, which may be good for him.
Promoter: Green Tsuda Promotions.
Matchmaker: Joe Koizumi.
(2-17-2013)