The Japanese middleweight title fight took place on the 12th at Korakuen Hall, where former champion and top-ranked contender Kazuto Takesako (World Sports) defeated No. 3-ranked Mikio Sakai (Kadoebi) by decision to become the new champion. The scorecards read 97-93 twice and 99-91.
酒井に右ストレートを決める竹迫㊨
Sakai initiated the action aggressively, landing right hands to both the head and body. He remained undeterred by Takesako’s power, and after five rounds, the open scoring favored Sakai on two cards at 48–47, with one judge scoring it 49–46 for Takesako.
However, Takesako’s long-range combinations began to find their mark in the second half of the fight. Despite Sakai’s determination, he struggled to close the distance against Takesako’s reach. While Sakai continued to work the body in clinches, Takesako’s right hand consistently kept him at bay. In the final round, Takesako landed a flurry—right hand, left hook, followed by another right—that buckled Sakai and provided a definitive closing statement.
“I took it steady, and today’s victory is a step toward what’s next,” the new champion said. “I want to prove myself one step at a time and work my way toward a world title.”
This victory marks a comeback for Takesako, who had been without a belt since losing his OPBF title to Shin via decision in May 2024. For Sakai, it was his third unsuccessful attempt at the Japanese title. Takesako improves to 19-3-1 (15 KOs), while Sakai falls to 6-6-1.
Results:
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OPBF Women’s Light Flyweight Title (Vacant), 8 Rounds: Sazanami Baru (World Sports) def. Karean Rivas (Philippines) via TKO at 1:38 of Round 5.
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OPBF Women’s Flyweight Title (Vacant), 8 Rounds: Mika Yanao (Hanagata) def. Nanae Yamaya (EBISU K’s BOX) via unanimous decision (78–74, 80–72, 80–72).
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Super Bantamweight, 8 Rounds: Katsuya Fukui (Teiken) def. Jenybert Bantay (Philippines) via TKO at 1:30 of Round 4.
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Bantamweight, 8 Rounds: Issei Ochiai (Celes) def. Jerson Aligora (Philippines) via TKO at 1:25 of Round 6.
Attendance: 811
