Sep. 30
TOKYO, JAPAN-- Korakuen Hall--Japanese lefty CELES KOBAYASHI(right photo), 112, showed his
determination and durability to win the national flyweight title, as he
connected with southpaw lefts and right hooks to the defending champ
NORITO "SUZUKI" CABATO(left photo), a Japanese-based Filipino at 112, over 10.
Scored: Abe 96-95, Uchida 97-96, both for Cabato, and Tezaki 96-96.
It was a see-saw battle. Kobayashi started well with solid southpaw lefts to the face of the shorter champ in the opening canto. The WBA 13th ranked Cabato turned loose in the 2nd and 3rd. But the Japanese showed his fighting spirit and scored effective body shots to Cabato to win the 6th through 8th. Cabato displayed his vaunted last surge in the 10th and final session, which, however, couldn't overcome the deficits on points. Cabato seemingly failed to show his usual zip, and lost to the younger opponent who had previously beaten in their first encounter.
The newly crowned Kobayashi bettered his mark to 18-4-2, 10 KOs. He is
slated to meet a sensational ex-amateur named Hideyasu Ishihara in the
latter's 3rd pro bout with his title at stake. Cabato's campaigns here
resulted in 14-5-2, 6 KOs (only in Japan).
Promoter: Kokusai Promotions.
(9-30-98)