In the second bout of the “Lemino BOXING” event held at the Tokyo Dome on the 2nd, challenger Yuito Moriwaki (World Sports) secured a 10-round split decision victory over champion Deok No Yun (South Korea). With the win, Yuito Moriwaki claimed both the OPBF and WBO Asia Pacific super-middleweight titles.
In their first meeting last December, Yuito Moriwaki scored a knockdown but was denied the titles after the bout ended in a technical draw during the fourth round due to an injury. This time, both fighters started cautiously, measuring distance with left jabs to the body. Yuito Moriwaki employed his trademark quick feints, while Deok No Yun responded with light, nimble movement.
The intensity increased in the fourth round as the contest transitioned into a grim inside battle, with both men digging in uppercuts at close quarters. Deok No Yoon displayed craftiness in working his arms free from clinches to land right uppercuts and left hooks. Despite appearing uncomfortable with the gritty nature of the fight, Yuito Moriwaki continued to swing heavy left hooks and straight rights. The open scoring after five rounds saw Yuito Moriwaki leading by split decision: 48–47, 49–46, and 47–48.
Deok No Yun remained competitive through sheer volume and persistent pressure. In the seventh, Yuito Moriwaki attempted to create separation by unleashing a series of heavy straights, yet a bloodied Deok No Yun refused to retreat. The war of attrition continued until the final bell, with Yuito Moriwaki showing visible signs of distress under the champion’s assault.
“I still have a long way to go. My chairman and trainer gave me a talking-to, but I will keep working hard,” Yuito Moriwaki reflected after the bout. Despite becoming the first Japanese fighter to hold these super-middleweight titles, he remained critical of his performance: “Based on how I fought today, I’m not there yet.”
Yuito Moriwaki improves to 2-0-1 (1 KO). Deok No Yun, who failed in his third defense of the WBO Asia Pacific title and his first defense of the OPBF title, falls to 10-3-1 (8 KOs).
