The key matchups for “Lemino BOXING Phoenix Battle 156,” to be held at Korakuen Hall on Tuesday, May 12, were announced on the 23rd. The main event will feature a Japanese super-bantamweight title match, where champion Jun Ikegawa (Kadoebi Hoseki) will defend his title against challenger Kenshin Oshima (KOD). Additionally, the card will include three semifinal matches of the super-featherweight prize money tournament.
会見に臨んだ池側、大嶋、松本ら
Ikegawa (9-3-1, 1 KO), who captured the title from Toshiya Ishii (RE:BOOT) in January, will be making his first defense. He welcomes Oshima, who recently transferred from Ichiriki Gym to President Takashi Uchiyama’s KOD Gym. Attending the press conference, Ikegawa looked toward his first task as champion, stating, “(Oshima) is an experienced fighter, but I will definitely win and defend my title.” The significance of headlining the main event also seemed to fuel his motivation.
On the other hand, Oshima (9-5-1, 4 KOs)—whose last bout was a TKO loss challenging Kazuki Nakajima (Ohashi) for the OPBF title—vowed to fulfill his long-held ambition in his fourth title shot. “I will seize this opportunity,” he said with determination. By defeating Ikegawa, he hopes to bring the first belt to KOD Gym and repay President Uchiyama for his guidance.
■ Keisuke Matsumoto Enters the Tournament
In the super-featherweight prize money tournament, three matches will take place: Keisuke Matsumoto (Ohashi) vs. Ryuo (Kadoebi Hoseki), Kai Watanabe (Lions) vs. Eigo (KOD), and Kanta Fukui (Ishida) vs. Riku Kitani (KG Yamato). Another matchup, Ryusuke Sunagawa (Okinawa WR) vs. Rentaro Kimura (Suruga Danji), has been set for a different date on June 28. This is because Sunagawa is scheduled to challenge Tsubasa Narai (RK Kamata) for the Japanese title tomorrow, the 24th, at Korakuen Hall; Sunagawa will participate in the tournament quarterfinals regardless of tomorrow’s outcome.
Matsumoto, who received a bye in the first round, attended the press conference. A year ago, his defense of the Japanese featherweight title was canceled after he failed to make weight due to poor health, resulting in a suspension. Making his return in this fight, Matsumoto spoke humbly: “I am deeply grateful for this opportunity despite being under suspension.” He expressed his intent to repay those who supported him during his absence by winning each match as he climbs through the tournament. The entry of the undefeated Matsumoto is expected to further intensify the competition.
Additionally, another title match is scheduled to be held on the same day. The event will be streamed live on Lemino.
