In the super bantamweight eight-round semi-final of “Lemino BOXING” held at the Tokyo Dome on the 2nd, former WBO bantamweight champion Yoshiki Takei (Ohashi) secured a narrow majority decision over WBA No. 15-ranked DeKang Wang (China). The judges’ scores were 77-75, 77-75, and 76-76. It proved to be a laboured start for Takei in his return to the super bantamweight division.
Takei utilised light footwork to move laterally while countering the pursuing Wang with right uppercuts and left straights, also landing left body shots as he pivoted to the right. Undeterred, Wang continued his pressure, extending his right to the body, but Takei maintained his movement to deny the challenger his preferred distance.
However, in the third round, Wang intensified his pursuit and landed successive right hands. Takei was seen losing his balance near the ropes on several occasions.
Buoyed by this success, Wang accelerated his momentum. Takei attempted to halt him with left body shots and downward left crosses while moving extensively, but Wang’s pressure remained relentless.
In the sixth round, Takei initiated a forceful attack in an attempt to shift the momentum. He landed a left following a right uppercut, momentarily staggering Wang, and followed up with a flurry. However, failing to land cleanly, Takei instead found himself in trouble after taking a series of solid right hands. In the seventh, he was again backed into a corner and shaken by Wang’s right.
In the final round, with the finish line in sight, a rejuvenated Wang surged forward and connected with a series of rights. Takei looked for a fight-changing blow while retreating and finally landed a heavy left in the closing moments, though it appeared he had only narrowly withstood Wang’s offensive.
“I am truly sorry for putting on such a performance at such a major event. Wang was strong,” said a tearful Takei. He bowed in apology to all sides of the arena, adding, “I have nothing more to say.”
Takei (29) moves to 12-1 (9 KOs). Wang (26), who left the ring to significant applause from the crowd, now stands at 9-2 (3 KOs).
