July 31, 1999
NAGOYA, JAPAN-Aggressive Japanese puncher HIDEKI TODAKA(right photo), 115, wrested
the WBA super-flyweight title, as he decked JESUS "KIKI" ROJAS(left photo), 115,
Venezuela, in the 2nd round and kept going forward all the way to win a
close but unanimous decision over 12 heats.
It was a grudge fight, as they fought to a technical draw in the 4th in their first encounter in Miyazaki last Mar. It's a controversial stoppage, as Rojas then ceased bleeding despite suffering a deep gash. So, this direct rematch was approved by the WBA.
The 26-year-old Todaka, a shorter puncher, positively started fireworks from the outset, though Rojas, 9 years his senior at 35, tried to outjab and counter him. The second round was mostly dominated by the champ, but Todaka caught him with a countering short right to the face to have Rojas touch the canvas with his glove. Referee Rafael Ramos, US, tolled the mandatory 8 count and ordered them to fight on, but the bell came to his rescue. Todaka was an aggressor in the 3rd, when he went forward to pin the champ to the ropes with busy combinations. Midway in the third, Todaka floored him again, but the referee called it a slip due to a slippery canvas.
Rojas, however, regained his pace with sharp jabs and left-right combos
to the onrushing foe, taking the 4th through 7th. Todaka nullified the
champ's attack with his tight guard and threw solid but less accurate
blows.
The tide turned again in the 8th. Todaka welcomed his second wind, and abruptly showed his energetic rallies to have Rojas backpedaling. The Japanese was in command in the 8th through 10th with his fine display of aggressiveness, while Rojas appeared sluggish and slow.
But Rojas showed his final surge in order to retain his belt, scoring well with many uppercuts to the fading Japanese in the last two sessions.
Scored-Armando Garcia (US) and Duane Ford (US) both 115-113, and Erki
Meronen (Finland) 115-114, all for Todaka, who raised his mark to
15-2-1, 7 KOs. Rojas fell to 32-8-3-1NC, 16 KOs.
Rojas captured the WBA title by outscoring Japanese lefty Satoshi Iida, Todaka's stablemate who retired after his defeat, in Nagoya last Dec. The Venezuelan veteran had been unbeaten against 5 Japanese opponents here, but he revealed his age against the upcoming and game Todaka.
Todaka, formerly Japanese minimum champ, outgrew the 105-pound division and had been fighting in the 115-pound class. The Japanese puncher, coached by Californian trainer Mack Kurihara, entered the world ratings thanks to his upset decision over the then rated Korean Yongsoon Chang on the night Rojas became the champ last Dec.
Todaka will fight his first defense against either WBA top contender Yokthai Sith-Oar of Thailand or fast-rising sensation Akihiko Nago of Japan.
Promoter-Midori Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions.
WBA supervisor-Gonzalo Lopez Silvero (US).
(7-31-99)
The scoresheets of this title bout will follow soon.