Three quarter-final bouts of the super-featherweight tournament, featuring a 10-million-yen prize, took place at “Phoenix Battle 156” held at Korakuen Hall on the 12th. The final remaining quarter-final match is scheduled to be held in Shizuoka on June 28th.
龍王をKOし復帰した松本
Super-Featherweight Tournament Quarter-final 8-rounder Keisuke Matsumoto (Ohashi) [TKO3 0:35] Ryuo (Kadoebi)
Keisuke Matsumoto returned to the ring following a one-year licence suspension incurred for a weight-making failure. Despite an 18-month absence from competition, Matsumoto showed no signs of ring rust, establishing a composed and orthodox style from the opening bell. The southpaw Ryuo attempted to disrupt the rhythm by working behind a high guard and targeting the body with jabs. However, Matsumoto countered effectively with sharp right hands, often following up with straight lefts. In the second round, a Matsumoto flurry caused a laceration above Ryuo’s right eye.
The end came in the third. Matsumoto initiated with a “reverse one-two” and then detonated a clinical straight right as Ryuo attempted to fire back. The blow sent Ryuo to the canvas, and the referee waved off the contest during the count.
“I caused a great deal of trouble for the fans through my own misconduct. I am only here today because of the support of those who stood by me while I was unable to fight. Thank you,” Matsumoto stated, offering further apologies and gratitude. The victory provided a double celebration for Matsumoto, coming the day before his daughter’s first birthday. In the semi-finals, he is slated to face Riku Kitani (KG Yamato), the “reverse import” fighter from Mexico who also advanced this evening.
英豪を退け準決勝進出の渡邊㊨
Super-Featherweight Tournament Quarter-final 8-rounder Kai Watanabe (Lions) [UD 3-0 (77-74, 78-73, 79-72)] Eigo (KOD LAB)
In a clash between two tall operators, Watanabe established his range from the outset, nullifying Eigo’s right body straights while landing sharp left hands of his own. In the second round, a crisp left hook momentarily froze Eigo, and Watanabe immediately capitalised on the opening. A follow-up left hook caused Eigo to lose his footing and touch the canvas for a knockdown.
Watanabe declined to rush the finish, while Eigo spent the middle rounds searching for an entry point. In the sixth, Watanabe connected with a short right uppercut, though Eigo increased his output with left hooks and straight rights in response. In the seventh, Eigo attempted to press Watanabe against the ropes, but he was met with clinical counter-left hooks and straight rights.
Eigo sought a come-from-behind victory in the final round with overhand rights, but Watanabe maintained control behind his left jab and right uppercuts to ensure a comfortable decision. Watanabe now moves on to face the winner of the June bout in Shizuoka between Rentaro Kimura (Suruga Danji) and Kirei Yasumura (Izumikitano). Anticipating a showdown with Kimura, who was spectating at ringside, Watanabe said, “The semi-final opponent will be incredibly tough, so it’s going to be an exciting fight. I hope everyone comes out to watch.” Watanabe improves to 17-3-1 (10 KOs), while Eigo falls to 6-2 (2 KOs).
木谷㊨は福井に判定勝ち
Super-Featherweight Tournament Quarter-final 8-rounder Riku Kitani (KG Yamato) [UD 3-0 (77-75, 78-74, 79-73)] Kanta Fukui (Ishida)
Riku Kitani, exerting consistent pressure, enjoyed a positive start to the contest, notably landing a sharp left hook in the opening round. On this occasion, Kitani demonstrated tactical versatility, effectively blending his aggressive forward movement with lateral retreats to break down his opponent. Fukui utilised subtle head movement after his exchanges, but Kitani countered with compact shots to maintain control throughout the eight rounds.
“From here on, every opponent is at a level where I must approach the fight as if it were the final. I simply need to get stronger in training,” Kitani remarked. With this victory, Kitani improves his record to 11-3 (5 KOs). Fukui falls to 14-8-1 (8 KOs).
