On the 20th, in an 8-round, 119-pound bout held at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo as part of “U-NEXT BOXING 6,” Katsuma Akitsugi(Japan), ranked No. 10 by the WBO in the bantamweight division, defeated Herlan Gomez (Philippines) by TKO at 2:33 of the 5th round. Although he suffered his first professional loss in his Japanese debut at the same venue in April, this comeback fight marked his first victory in Japan.
ゴメスをストップして再起を果たした秋次
Akitsugi, a southpaw who consistently used subtle feints to outmaneuver his opponent, would drive his left straight from the right up and down; in response, Gomez would aim a full-force right at the end of Akitsugi’s left punch.
Akitsugi, who suffered a cut above his left eye from a head clash in the first round, unleashed a variety of combinations, starting with a left uppercut followed by a right body hook. However, perhaps because he was too eager to press forward, his signature smooth footwork and movement were absent, and he often remained standing directly in front of his opponent. As a result, he allowed Gomez to land persistent flurries, preventing him from establishing a solid rhythm. In the fifth round, he suffered a cut above his right eye as well, prompting a doctor’s check.
However, perhaps eager to end the fight quickly, Akitsugi repeatedly landed powerful left straights with some force, causing Gomez’s head to snap back, prompting the referee to stop the fight.
“I suffered my first loss (in April), changed coaches afterward, and wasn’t able to do that great of a sparring session during my preparation period, so I was anxious,” revealed Akitsugi, looking relieved. “I’m incredibly happy. I thought the stoppage might have been a little early, but this is the most satisfying victory I’ve ever had.” Looking ahead, he said, “I’ll fight anytime, but I’d be happy to do it in Japan,” indicating his willingness to continue stepping into the ring in Japan, where his profile is rising. He also remarked, “I want to fight Japanese fighters to gauge my own level.”
Akitsugi (28) now has a record of 15 wins (5 KOs) and 1 loss. Gomez (26), who suffered a 4th-round TKO loss to former WBO bantamweight champion Jason Maloney (Australia) in his previous bout last December, now stands at 14 wins (10 KOs) and 4 losses. This marks his third consecutive loss.
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