Brandon Mitsuro Tajima
(31, TMK), a former Japanese heavyweight champion and currently ranked No. 6 in the OPBF cruiserweight division, held an open training session on the 30th at a gym in Nishinari Ward, Osaka City, featuring eight rounds of intense, match-like sparring in preparation for his title challenge against division champion Muftah Maifumti (31, China) on July 11 at Yamato Arena in Suita City, Osaka Prefecture. Tajima, who is aiming to transition from the heavyweight to the cruiserweight division, has cut his weight to the mid-90 kg range and demonstrated solid movement throughout the grueling eight-round session.
クラークとのスパーリングを公開した但馬㊨
Tajima, who had fought in the heavyweight division at a maximum weight of 127 kg, began conditioning for the cruiserweight division (90.7 kg) in May. He made running—which he hadn’t prioritized much in the past—the centerpiece of his training, rigorously strengthening his lower body through morning roadwork and stair sprints. He also logged 80 rounds of sparring during this period, and Tajima commented on the effectiveness of his training, saying, “Unlike in my heavyweight days, I think I’m developing the stamina to hold my ground well into the middle rounds and beyond.”
His sparring partner that day was Lewis Clark (23), the Western Australia heavyweight champion from Australia. Facing this young prospect—who boasts a record of 10 wins (4 KOs) and 2 losses and fights with a lot of vocal intensity—Tajima immediately responded to advice from former two-division world champion Kazuki Kameda, who told him, “Vary your jabs up and down. Attack the body more.” He continued to press the attack throughout the bout, landing body hooks and other shots without losing his breath even in the later rounds, demonstrating that he is in excellent form.
クラークに右ストレートを決める但馬㊨
“Rather than losing muscle, I’ve lost fat, so my punches have become sharper and faster. Until now, I’ve been able to fight comfortably even when taking jabs, but now I’m focusing more on my defense. I see this fight as a stepping stone to the world title, and I want to give it my all and show the difference in our abilities.” The new Tajima expressed his determination.
Tajima’s record stands at 13 wins (11 KOs) and 2 losses, while champion Muftah’s record is 11 wins (7 KOs) and 6 losses.
