見事な状態に仕上げつつあるチャンピオン井上（大橋ジム提供写真）

“He has finished sparring in the best condition ever,” stated Chairman Hideyuki Ohashi. This matchup, in which Inoue defends his title against challenger Junto Nakatani (M.T), is drawing significant attention as the biggest super fight in Japanese history, with 55,000 spectators expected to fill the Tokyo Dome. With both fighters having already completed their public workouts, only the pre-fight press conference and the official weigh-in remain before the big event.

カシメロと対戦するネリ㊨

The event is headlined by IBF flyweight champion Masamichi Yabuki (Midori) making his second title defense against Rene Calixto (Mexico). The co-main event features an IBF world super-flyweight title fight between Wilibaldo Garcia (Mexico) and Andrew Moloney (Australia). The high-profile matchup between former world champions Luis Nery (Mexico) and John Riel Casimero (Philippines) has now been added to the card as a 124-pound catchweight bout scheduled for 10 rounds.

Additional undercard bouts confirmed for the event include:

• Super Flyweight (8 Rounds): Aumi Yokoyama (Watanabe) vs. Vince Paras (Philippines)

• 6-Round Bouts:

  • Shuri Oka (Watanabe) vs. Adilet Kachkinbekov (Kyrgyzstan)

  • Seiya Meguro (LUSH) vs. Nurjigit Diushebaev (Kyrgyzstan)

The event will be streamed live on the “SAIKOULUSH OFFICIAL” YouTube channel.

多くの報道陣が駆け付けた中谷の公開練習

Nakatani returned to Japan on the 19th following a training camp in Los Angeles. Despite lingering jet lag, he resumed gym work the morning after his arrival. Although facing the toughest opponent of his 33-fight career, he appeared completely composed during the press conference. With a smile, he expressed his eagerness for the bout, declaring confidently, “I believe I can put on a fight that will captivate 55,000 people.”

Following the session, Nakatani demonstrated one round each of shadow boxing, mitt work, and heavy bag drills. His trainers, Rudy Hernandez and Daisuke Okabe, have arrived in Japan to oversee his final preparations.

ヌニェスとWBA暫定王座を争うことになった亀田京之介

The main card for the upcoming event has been finalized as follows:

May 23: SAIKOULUSH Vol. 5

• Vacant WBA Asia Super Flyweight Title (10 rounds): Suriya Dharma (Indonesia) vs. Saken Bibossinov (Kazakhstan)

• Vacant WBA Asia Cruiserweight Title (10 rounds): Dilmurod Satybaldiev (Kyrgyzstan) vs. Asemare Werlem (South Africa)

May 24: SAIKOULUSH Vol. 6

• WBA Interim Super Flyweight Title (12 rounds): David Jimenez (Costa Rica) vs. Ayumu Sano (LUSH)

• Vacant WBA Interim Featherweight Title (12 rounds): Luis Nunez (Dominican Republic) vs. Kyonosuke Kameda (MR)

• WBA Flyweight Final Eliminator (12 rounds): Hasanboy Dusmatov (Uzbekistan) vs. Joel Contreras (Argentina)

• Vacant WBA Gold Featherweight Title (12 rounds): Adrian Robledo (Argentina) vs. Mirazizbek Mirzakhalilov (Uzbekistan)

Kameda, originally scheduled to contest the WBA Gold title against Robledo, has secured a challenge for the interim championship. Additional bouts are to be announced on the official website. The event will be broadcast live via the SAIKOULUSH OFFICIAL YouTube channel.

The event will feature a double-header of title fights. In the co-feature, Japanese bantamweight champion Shori Umezu (Mitani Yamato S) will make the second defence of his belt against former OPBF champion Keita Kurihara (KOD).

Lee (11-0-1, 2 KOs) transitioned from Japanese champion to regional titleholder with his victory over Daishi Nagata (Misako) in January. Now ranked 14th by the WBO, Ri is expected to deliver a performance that justifies his standing as a world-ranked contender. His challenger, Tomioka (14-6-2, 5 KOs), a former WBO Oriental titlist, has evolved from a pure boxer into a capable infighter and enters the bout on a four-year unbeaten streak.

The bantamweight title fight offers a compelling clash of styles. Champion Umezu (13-1-3, 9 KOs) retained his belt via a draw against former titlist Ikuya Fuse (Watanabe) during February’s Champion Carnival. Seeking to capture his first Japanese title, the veteran Kurihara (20-9-1, 17 KOs)—a four-time former OPBF champion—will look to leverage his renowned punching power to secure the victory.

バッグを打つ井上　photo/Naoki Fukuda

With the title defence against Nakatani fast approaching, Inoue remarked that the training camp felt “long yet short,” clearly anticipating the upcoming bout. During the session, he showcased shadow boxing, mitt work with his tall southpaw trainer Yasuhiro Suzuki, and heavy bag drills. His refined condition was evident, leading Ken Murano, president of M.T Gym, to comment that he “looked well-prepared.”

Having successfully navigated four title defences last year, Inoue returns to the ring four months after his most recent victory over Alan Picasso. Ohashi Gym chairman Hideyuki Ohashi believes the interval allowed Inoue to “effectively shed any accumulated fatigue,” declaring the champion to be in “peak condition.”

According to his father and trainer, Shingo Inoue, the champion has logged approximately 80 rounds of sparring. With all training objectives met, the camp is “proceeding exactly as planned,” ensuring a fully prepared champion is ready for the May 2 showdown.

初回、レラサンを吹っ飛ばす伊藤㊨

Ito, the Shinsei Gym prospect, pressured the rangy southpaw Lerasan from the opening bell, flooring him with a sharp straight right. Lerasan regained his feet, but Ito cornered him immediately, driving a left hook into the body that prompted a count-out at 2:40 of the opening round.

Raised in kickboxing by his father, a former competitor in the discipline, Ito transitioned to boxing in his youth and secured two national titles while attending Kokoku High School. He turned professional following his graduation in 2024 and is receiving expert instruction under gym head Masato Yamashita. Ito improves to 6-0 (5 KOs), while Lerasan falls to 16-9 (7 KOs).

デビュー9連勝の田下

In the welterweight semi-main event, JBC #4 Takafumi Shibata (27, Green Tsuda) defeated #9-ranked Shoto Yano (27, Harada) via a 2-0 majority decision. Shibata outperformed Yano in a competitive clash of Kansai-based ranked contenders, largely due to his superior punch volume.

In a super-lightweight matchup of domestic ranked fighters, #9 Shota Tashita (Takumi) battered #13 Rei Nakano (Future) to secure a second-round TKO victory. Tashita remains undefeated, improving his record to 9-0 (7 KOs).

再起を果たした関根

In the main event, lightweight Shun Sekine (Chichibu) snapped a two-fight losing streak with a fourth-round knockout victory over Thailand’s Saharat Teheran at 1:20. Sekine secured the stoppage after flooring his opponent three times with body shots across the third and fourth rounds. Sekine improves his record to 13-3-1 (11 KOs).

In the super-welterweight semi-final, Yukiya Ochiai (Ashikaga) returned to the win column following his first professional defeat, securing a unanimous decision victory over 45-fight veteran Channarong Injanpa of Thailand. Over the scheduled eight rounds, Ochiai struggled to find rhythm against the Thai fighter’s erratic, wild counter-punching. All three judges scored the bout 80-72 in favor of Ochiai, who moves to 3-1 (1 KO).

Earlier on the card, B-Mind Gym’s Tsukasa Takagi, the first professional fighter under the banner of former world champion Sho Kimura, made his debut against Kantaro Mizobata (Leopard Tamakuma). The fight ended in a second-round TKO loss for Takagi, with the referee intervening after the debutant ceased to return fire during a barrage. Despite the defeat, gym proprietor Sho Kimura reiterated his commitment to fostering future champions in Kumagaya and maintaining a schedule of annual events.

協力してスパー大会を開いた木村㊨、田中の両元王者

Prior to the main card, a 30-bout sparring tournament was held in collaboration with former four-division world champion Kosei Tanaka (30), a former adversary and close friend of Kimura. Kimura oversaw the proceedings from ringside, while Tanaka provided individual commentary and technical analysis for every one of the 60 participants after each bout. The unique format was well-received by both the competitors and those in attendance.

井岡の挑戦を受ける拓真　photo/Naoki Fukuda

With two weeks remaining until fight night, a sharp-looking Takuma Inoue remarked, “I have maintained my focus, continuing the momentum from my last outing.” The “last time” refers to his bout against Tenshin Nasukawa (Teiken), where a mentally and physically primed Inoue delivered a superb performance to hand Nasukawa his first professional defeat. Inoue asserts that he is approaching this bout against Ioka with that same “challenger’s mindset.”

“Ioka possesses a strength that isn’t apparent from the outside. I want to enjoy that aspect once we are in the ring,” Inoue said. The contest is highly anticipated as a duel between two of Japan’s premier technicians. According to his father and trainer, Shingo Inoue, Takuma has added another dimension to his arsenal since the Nasukawa fight, and preparations are complete. “We understand the importance of the mental game for this fight,” trainer Shingo noted, as they prepare to face the legendary Ioka with Takuma once again in peak condition.

While the main event features the world super-bantamweight clash between Naoya Inoue (Ohashi) and Junto Nakatani (M.T), the Inoue-Ioka bout is also garnering significant attention. Ohashi Promotions Chairman Hideyuki Ohashi predicts a high-level battle: “I believe it will be a technical contest, but ultimately, it will come down to a test of heart.” Inoue concluded his media session by demonstrating one round of shadowboxing.

ていねいなシャドーを１Ｒ披露した井岡　photo/Naoki Fukuda

Entering his 28th world title bout, the seasoned veteran—vying for a world title in a fifth weight division—maintained his characteristic composure but admitted, “My motivation is higher than ever.” The 37-year-old Ioka expressed his mindset regarding the major stage: “Having come this far in my professional career, I am grateful to be able to challenge for such an opportunity at this point.”

Describing the champion, Takuma, as “not an opponent who can be easily defeated,” Ioka stated, “I will focus on doing exactly what I need to do.” He emphasized his desire to overcome the formidable Takuma Inoue over the historical significance of a fifth division title. During the session for the media, Ioka limited his display to shadowboxing without gloves.

“THE DAY” features the undisputed world super-bantamweight title clash between Naoya Inoue (Ohashi) and Junto Nakatani (M.T) as the main event, alongside the WBC bantamweight title fight between Inoue and Ioka, and the return of Yoshiki Takei (Ohashi). The event will be broadcast via PPV on Lemino.

In the semi-final, a 10-round clash for the Japanese light-flyweight title, second-ranked Daiki Kameyama (Watanabe) secured a unanimous decision victory over champion Toshiki Kawamitsu (Misako). The scores were 96-94, 96-94, and 97-93. Kawamitsu failed in his first title defence.

山口に雪辱をはたした吉田㊧が新王者に

In a rematch of their April last year encounter—which Yamaguchi won via unanimous decision—Yoshida successfully exacted his revenge. Yoshida initiated the contest with a thunderous left uppercut that snapped Yamaguchi’s head back, establishing an early lead with straight rights to the head and body. His technical proficiency was evident as he consistently found a home for the left jab.

Yamaguchi attempted to close the range behind his lead, but was frequently frustrated by Yoshida’s superior distance management and timely left hooks to the body. By the fourth, Yamaguchi began to bleed from the nose under the impact of Yoshida’s straight rights. Although the champion sought to rally with flurries on the inside, Yoshida utilised his uppercut to pivot out of danger, meeting the oncoming pressure with composed, economical right hands. The scores at the end of the fifth round were 48-47, 49-46, and 50-45, all in favour of Yoshida.

The latter half of the fight saw Yamaguchi surge forward with aggressive combinations. Yoshida met the onslaught with clinical counter-punching, landing left hooks, short rights, and uppercuts. As Yamaguchi relentlessly pressed, Yoshida neutralised the attack with subtle lateral movement and pocket positioning, consistently landing understated but precise short counters.

Yamaguchi’s strongest moment came in the ninth, where he stalled Yoshida’s momentum with a series of clean right hooks and left straights to both body and head. However, Yoshida weathered the storm and responded with his own flurries in the final round to hold off Yamaguchi’s late charge.

“I am incredibly happy. Yamaguchi’s pressure was immense, but I managed to navigate it. I want to defend this title convincingly to prove this win wasn’t a fluke,” said the new champion. Yoshida’s (28) measured temperament proved decisive; his record improves to 8-4 (4 KOs). For Yamaguchi (26), the loss marks his first professional defeat, moving to 7-1-1 (2 KOs).

川満に打ち勝った亀山㊧

Kameyama Secures Major Upset as Late Replacement

Stepping in as a late substitute following the withdrawal of top-ranked Ryu Isogane (Ohashi) due to injury, Daiki Kameyama capitalised on his second title opportunity—his first since a 12-round draw for the WBO Asia Pacific flyweight title in April 2023.

The southpaw Kameyama utilised upper-body movement to land short lefts, while the champion, Kawamitsu, maintained a firm stance, digging in heavy body shots and right hooks. The contest erupted into a high-volume trade-off as early as the second round. Kawamitsu applied constant pressure with thudding hooks, but he was consistently outworked by Kameyama, whose punch output was more than double that of the champion. Kameyama’s frequent right hooks took an early toll, causing visible swelling around Kawamitsu’s left eye.

Open scoring after the fifth round revealed Kameyama in the lead at 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46. Spurred by the deficit, Kawamitsu intensified his forward march, yet the determined Kameyama refused to let his work rate drop. In the seventh, despite being caught by a Kawamitsu left hook, Kameyama responded with a flurry while pinned against the ropes.

Ultimately, Kawamitsu was unable to land a decisive finishing blow against an opponent who, despite the torrid early pace, maintained a relentless cadence of combinations until the final bell.

Kameyama (29), having defeated a world-ranked opponent (WBC 7th, IBF 11th, WBA 13th, WBO 14th), stated: “I cannot talk about world titles based on today’s performance, but after a short rest, I will return to training and aim for the top.” Kameyama improves to 13-8-2 (3 KOs). Kawamitsu (30), who sustained significant punishment throughout the bout, falls to 12-3 (8 KOs).

佐川が原を倒す

Super-Featherweight 8-Rounder Ryo Sagawa (Misako) [TKO Round 3, 1:40] Yuna Hara (Shinsei)

This clash between former Japanese champions—Sagawa (featherweight) and Hara (super-featherweight)—concluded with a definitive one-punch knockout.

Both fighters, sharing a preference for mid-range exchanges and a reliance on the straight right as a finishing blow, opened with a tactical battle of jabs. The contest remained evenly poised as Sagawa targeted the body with short rights while Hara worked his left hook. Just as Hara appeared to shed his early stiffness and establish an offensive rhythm, Sagawa landed a thunderous straight right. As Hara collapsed forward, the referee immediately waved off the contest without a count.

Sagawa (32), who likely secures a return to the rankings by defeating OPBF 7th and Japanese 2nd-ranked Hara, improves to 14-5 (9 KOs). Hara (31) moves to 14-5-3 (8 KOs).

Super-Flyweight 8-Rounder Kenta Nakagawa (Misako) [KO Round 3, 0:50] Eikichi Ueno (Hanagata)

World-ranked Kenta Nakagawa (IBF 8th, WBA 12th) [Note: Text lists IBF twice, WBO likely intended] halted the unranked Ueno with a clinical barrage.

In a match-up of southpaws, Ueno showed early aggression, momentarily unsettling the veteran with heavy hooks. However, in the third round, Nakagawa floored Ueno with a three-punch right hook combination followed by a piercing left to the body. Although Ueno regained his feet, he was unable to continue and was counted out. Nakagawa (40) improves to 28-5-1 (15 KOs), while Ueno (24) falls to 7-4-2 (2 KOs).

パデナスを倒した力石

Returning from surgery on his left shoulder, Rikiishi was forced to contend with a formidable opponent in Badenas, whose ability exceeded his ranking and record. Ultimately, Rikiishi’s composed technique and ringcraft allowed him to secure a clinical finish.

Rikiishi opened the contest with sharp lead-hand exchanges, landing a counter left to start. Showing keen reflexes against Badenas—who looked to land left hooks and overhand rights—Rikiishi connected with a counter left to the body in the third. However, the fourth round saw Rikiishi momentarily in trouble after being caught by a Badenas right counter. He responded by regaining ground with a barrage of left hooks and straights designed to neutralise that right hand.

As Rikiishi began timing the right hand with left uppercuts and varied his attack to the body, Badenas shifted his tactics to focus on short left hook counters. In the seventh, Badenas closed the distance to apply pressure, but Rikiishi managed the range with effective footwork and momentarily stunned his opponent with another counter left to the body.

In the final round, Badenas increased his output, targeting Rikiishi who was bleeding from the left ear due to a right hook. However, Rikiishi countered a Badenas right with a piercing left to the body. Following up immediately with a flurry of punches, he sent Badenas to the canvas. The Filipino was unable to recover from the body shot, and the referee completed the ten-count.

“I apologise for giving everyone a scare. I was trying to draw his lead and counter, but his right hand was better than expected and difficult to time,” Rikiishi remarked, before reaffirming his ambition to challenge for and capture a world title. Rikiishi (31) moves to 17-2 (12 KOs), while Badenas (25) stands at 8-3-1 (7 KOs).

プロテストに合格した藤木

Yuga Fujiki Passes Public Pro Test

Amateur standout Yuga Fujiki (18, Ohashi)—a nine-time amateur champion with an undefeated record of 49-0 (33 RSC)—underwent a public professional test, engaging in a three-round sparring session with reigning Japanese Youth lightweight champion Maiku Hashimoto (DANGAN). Facing the southpaw Hashimoto, Fujiki demonstrated his immense potential, showcasing a versatile jab, sophisticated body-head combinations, and effective counter-punching. Following the sparring and mandatory shadow boxing, his successful results were announced prior to the main event. Fujiki is scheduled to make his professional debut in the main event at Korakuen Hall on 10 June.

49.0kg Catchweight 8-Rounder

Takeo Kitano (Ohashi) [Decision 2-1 (78-74, 75-77, 77-75)] Kurt John Prebal (Philippines)

WBC 12th-ranked minimumweight Takeo Kitano, returning from a failed bid for the WBO Asia Pacific title last October, secured a narrow split-decision victory over the awkward southpaw Prebal.

Prebal’s sharp reflexes initially troubled Kitano, as the visitor landed left crosses and right hooks in the opening stanza. While Kitano relied on linear movement, Prebal utilised lateral angles to diversify his attack. However, Kitano gradually regained control by maintaining distance and timing his returns against Prebal’s lunges. A powerful left to the body in the sixth highlighted Kitano’s comeback, though he was momentarily staggered by a Prebal left cross in the seventh.

The final round saw a fierce exchange as Prebal pressed for a finish. Kitano remained composed, answering with a barrage of straight lefts that backed up the tiring Filipino. Kitano (21) improves to 10-1-1 (4 KOs), while Prebal (20) drops to 8-2 (5 KOs).

強敵メンドサをKOしたタノンサック

Thanongsak, who captured the vacant title in June last year, finished the highly-touted Mexican prospect—widely regarded in his home country as a future world champion—with a brilliant early onslaught.

In the opening round, Thanongsak applied pressure with straight right hands to the body, while the tall southpaw Mendoza countered with left body uppercuts. In the second, Thanongsak initiated an exchange with short rights, but Mendoza landed a sharp right hook that momentarily stunned the champion. Unfazed, Thanongsak immediately responded with a right followed by a left hook to floor the challenger.

Although Mendoza managed to regain his feet, Thanongsak relentlessly pursued the finish. Trapping his opponent against the ropes, he drove home a powerful right hand that sent Mendoza twisting to the canvas. Mendoza struggled to his feet once more, but as he remained heavily staggered, the referee proceeded to complete the ten-count.

“I had been training for four-minute rounds in anticipation of a long fight, so I am pleased to have finished it early. I want a unification bout next,” said a smiling Thanongsak. He expressed his desire to face rival champions Rene Santiago (Puerto Rico, WBO/WBA) and Shokichi Iwata (Teiken, WBC). Thanongsak (25) improves to 40-1 (35 KOs), while Mendoza (26) falls to 27-1 (23 KOs).

ペクに敗れ、OPBF王座から陥落した国本

Riku Kunimoto was unable to unleash his customary combinations and succumbed in the seventh round under a barrage of short punches from Ha Seo Baek. The new champion, Ha Seo Baek, moves to 5-2 (3 KOs), while Riku Kunimoto falls to 15-2 (8 KOs). Following the defeat, Riku Kunimoto announced his retirement, stating, “I underestimated my opponent. I am 29 years old, and I wish to call it a career after this loss.”

アシロをKOした新鋭中山

In an undercard bantamweight eight-rounder, OPBF No. 12 Keita Nakayama (23, Muto) engaged in a fierce toe-to-toe battle with OPBF No. 8 Jerwin Asilo (25, Philippines). Keita Nakayama systematically weakened Jerwin Asilo—who previously took Tenshin Nasukawa (Teiken) to a decision—with a consistent body attack. In the fifth, Keita Nakayama opened up from the body before landing a powerful left hook to the head to score a knockdown. He then unleashed a relentless assault on the rising Jerwin Asilo, scoring a second knockdown to secure the ten-count. Keita Nakayama improves to 4-0 (4 KOs).

In a 58kg eight-rounder, OPBF super-bantamweight No. 14 Hinata Nakasato (23, Muto) suffered a second-round knockout defeat to OPBF bantamweight No. 13 Amgerow Samson (25, Philippines) after being caught by a left to the temple. In a 56kg eight-rounder, the 2025 All-Japan Bantamweight Rookie of the Year and Japan No. 11 Gen Mitsutomi (24, Muto) cornered Jackrit Boonchiao (23, Thailand) with body shots to earn a fourth-round TKO.

Furthermore, Japanese featherweight No. 2 Kyohei Tonomoto (30, Katsuki) secured a first-round TKO victory over Anurak Madua (28, Thailand) in a six-round contest. This marks a successful comeback for Kyohei Tonomoto following his defeat in a Japanese title challenge last October.

OPBF Middleweight Title 10-Rounder Ha Seo Baek (Mongolia) [KO7 2:30] Riku Kunimoto (Muto)

Bantamweight 8-Rounder Keita Nakayama (Muto) [KO5 1:57] Jerwin Asilo (Philippines)

58kg 8-Rounder Amgerow Samson (Philippines) [KO2 1:43] Hinata Nakasato (Muto)

56kg 8-Rounder Gen Mitsutomi (Muto) [TKO4 1:47] Jackrit Boonchiao (Thailand)

Featherweight 6-Rounder Kyohei Tonomoto (Katsuki) [TKO1 2:46] Anurak Madua (Thailand)

エストラーダを棄権に追いやり再起を果たした那須川㊧

Nasukawa utilized a diverse southpaw attack spearheaded by his speed and superior positioning to neutralize Estrada’s range throughout. The former WBA flyweight and WBC super-flyweight champion was systematically controlled before ultimately succumbing to the pressure.

Operating with measured footwork, Nasukawa circled to his left while centering his offense around left body uppercuts and straight lefts. By maintaining his preferred mid-to-long range, he denied Estrada any opportunity to establish an rhythm. Nasukawa’s right jab also served as a persistent nuisance, setting the stage for his power shots. While the former champion showed flashes of his veteran class—landing occasional straight rights and a left body-to-uppercut sequence—he could not overcome the visual impact of Nasukawa’s left hands, which caused significant swelling under Estrada’s right eye early on.

The scores at the end of the fourth round were tight, with two judges seeing it 38–38 and one scoring it 39–37 for Nasukawa. However, the momentum was already firmly with the Japanese fighter.

In the fifth, Nasukawa controlled the distance to stifle Estrada’s output, mixing his upstairs-downstairs attack with a right body hook set up by a left-hand feint. In the sixth, as Estrada increased his pressure, an accidental clash of heads during an exchange briefly halted the action. Upon the restart, Nasukawa immediately pressed the advantage with heavy shots. By the seventh, he landed a signature right uppercut off a feint and later rocked Estrada with a clean overhand left after successfully conditioning him to expect body blows.

Leading 77–75, 78–74, and 79–73 after eight rounds, Nasukawa intensified his assault in the ninth, breaking Estrada’s resolve. Following the round, Estrada retired in his corner. Promoter Eddie Hearn [Note: Source mentions “Hernandez,” likely referring to Matchroom or a representative] later revealed that Estrada had injured his left ribs two rounds prior, which prompted the withdrawal.

“I didn’t realize winning felt this good,” a visibly emotional Nasukawa stated post-fight. “I became stronger because of Estrada. For the first time, I felt fear before a fight, but I was supported by everyone around me.” Regaining his composure, he added, “I committed myself to working on my weaknesses to ensure victory regardless of the situation. A person can change this much in six months. I’m not perfect yet, but I think I showed a glimpse of what’s possible. I’ve earned my ticket for revenge, and I intend to take it.”

Nasukawa’s target is now the winner of the WBC bantamweight title clash between Takuma Inoue (Ohashi) and Kazuto Ioka (Shisei), scheduled for May 2nd at the Tokyo Dome.

Nasukawa (27) improves to 8-1 (3 KOs). Estrada (35), who appeared pensive following the defeat, falls to 45-5 (28 KOs).

ゲバラが偶然のバッティングで続行不可能となりノーコンテストとなった坪井の試合

The clash between world-ranked contenders Tsuboi and Guevara reached an unforeseen conclusion. Tsuboi employed versatile footwork and rapid combinations to press his opponent, while Guevara responded by utilizing the full width of the ring. An intriguing tactical battle seemed set to unfold from the second round, but as Guevara stepped in with a right hand, a severe clash of heads occurred. Guevara collapsed to the canvas and remained flat on his back, unable to regain his feet.

Tsuboi (30) moves to 3-0-1 (2 KOs). Guevara (36), the former WBC light-flyweight and WBC interim super-flyweight champion, was removed from the ring on a stretcher; his record now stands at 43-5-3 (22 KOs).

Akitsugi Suffers First Professional Loss in 0-2 Defeat to Calderon

Los Angeles-based world bantamweight contender Katsuma Akitsugi (Japan/USA)—ranked IBF No. 5, WBO No. 6, WBC No. 12, and WBA No. 14—suffered his first career defeat in his Japan debut. Facing Jose Calderon (Mexico) in a 10-round bantamweight bout, Akitsugi lost via a majority decision with scores of 95–95 and 96–94 (twice).

The southpaw Akitsugi started sharply, utilizing crisp step-ins and fluid movement to penetrate Calderon’s guard with body shots and straight hands. He evaded Calderon’s long right hands to land a counter left body uppercut and straight left.

In the second, an accidental headbutt during an exchange left Calderon with a cut above his right eye. Akitsugi momentarily staggered his opponent with an overhand left, but Calderon responded with a furious rally to halt Akitsugi’s momentum.

Akitsugi attempted to work his signature lateral movement to the right, but Calderon anticipated the maneuver, pivoting to prevent Akitsugi from taking the angle. Calderon’s left hook also served to disrupt Akitsugi’s entries. The intensity escalated in the fourth when Calderon found an opening with a short right uppercut and followed up with a flurry of punches.

As Calderon maintained a high work rate and landed right hands, Akitsugi countered with left body uppercuts. The sixth round saw a high-level technical battle in the pocket, with Calderon throwing dual uppercuts while Akitsugi dug short hooks into the body.

In the later stages, Akitsugi closed the distance behind a high guard, yet Calderon’s volume never wavered. In the eighth, Calderon landed a heavy left uppercut, countered immediately by a clean straight left from Akitsugi. Though Akitsugi pressed forward with body attacks, Calderon countered effectively with hooks and uppercuts until the final bell.

Calderon successfully neutralized Akitsugi’s flanking maneuvers and prevented him from establishing a rhythm, ultimately outworking the world-ranked fighter. While Akitsugi’s defensive skill allowed him to evade much of the incoming fire, the sheer volume of Calderon’s output proved the deciding factor.

Calderon (22), likely to return to the world rankings, improves to 15-3 (6 KOs). Akitsugi (28) falls to 14-1 (4 KOs).

132lb Catchweight 6-Rounder Keita Kubodera (Teiken) [KO5 0:59] Crisaldi Beltran (PHI)