On 6 June, at Hall A of the Aichi International Exhibition Centre (Aichi Sky Expo) in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, IBF 14th-ranked super-flyweight Aoi Yokoyama (Watanabe) secured a unanimous decision victory over OPBF third-ranked flyweight Vince Paras (Philippines) in an eight-round 53.0kg catchweight bout featured on the “3150FIGHT 10” undercard. The judges’ scorecards read 79-73, 79-73, and 78-74.
Yokoyama, who possessed a distinct size advantage, initiated the opening round from mid-range behind a one-two combination, while Paras looked to counter with overhand rights. In the second round, Paras closed the distance to instigate inside exchanges. Yokoyama worked behind his left jab and straight rights to target the body, whereas Paras threw looping punches aimed at the temples alongside left body hooks and right uppercuts to the midsection.
In the fifth round, as Paras began to establish a rhythm with counter jabs and right uppercuts, Yokoyama immediately increased his output and power, unleashing combinations. This sequence proved to be the turning point of the contest.
While Paras fatigued in the later stages due to his repeatedly labored swings from the opening rounds, Yokoyama utilized footwork and lateral movement to land counter right uppercuts and left hooks. Although unable to stop the durable and defensively solid Paras, Yokoyama demonstrated superior ring generalship.
With the victory, the 24-year-old Yokoyama improved his record to 5-0 (1 KO). The 27-year-old Paras dropped to 25-5-1 (19 KOs).
