In the 10-round super-bantamweight main event of “TREASURE BOXING PROMOTION 14” at Korakuen Hall, Tokyo on 16 August, Alex Santisima Jr (Philippines), ranked 11th in the WBO Asia Pacific featherweight division, secured a TKO victory over former IBF champion Yukinori Oguni (Kadoebi Hoseki Gym) at 1:08 of the eighth round. Oguni, currently ranked 6th by the WBO, 11th by the WBA, and 12th by the WBC, suffered a devastating setback in what had been billed as a prelude to a world title challenge.
精彩を欠いた小國㊧。サンティシマの右アッパーを被弾
Oguni was forced onto the back foot from the opening bell by Santisima’s rapid one-two combinations. As revealed post-fight, Oguni injured his left hip during the first round, frequently losing his balance at the end of his own punches. Though he attempted to fight back in the second round with his trademark body attacks from both hands, he was caught by Santisima’s counter left hooks following right hands.
In the third, suffering heavy bleeding from the mouth, Oguni swung hard with right straights followed by left hooks. Santisima maintained distance, landing left hooks in response to Oguni’s combinations.
During the fifth round, as Santisima pressed forward with one-twos, Oguni landed his signature counter left hook to the body and a simultaneous right counter. However, Santisima countered back effectively with right hands and left hooks.
Evidently hampered by his inactive left leg, Oguni was unable to utilize his effective left jab and opted instead to rely on power punches to turn the tide. He gradually began to trap the mobile Santisima.
In the eighth round, however, Oguni showed signs of distress under Santisima’s assault. Despite summoning his remaining strength to swing heavily, Oguni absorbed a clean one-two combination, prompting the referee to step in and stop the contest.
Santisima, 26, whose younger brother Gabriel captured the WBO Asia Pacific title by defeating Subaru Murata in February, secured a major upset to improve his record to 14-2 (8 KOs). The 38-year-old Oguni fell to 24-5-3 (9 KOs).
