亀田興毅氏の手掛ける5月のSAIKOULUSHキルギス興行が中止に

Following this unusual announcement, the entire card has been cancelled, including the WBA interim super-flyweight title bout between David Jimenez and Ayumu Sano, the WBA interim featherweight title bout between Luis Nunez and Kyonosuke Kameda, and the WBA flyweight eliminator between Hasanboy Dusmatov and Joel Contreras.

According to the organisers, “Due to recent rapid shifts in the economic climate and a higher-than-anticipated surge in local promotional and staging costs, it has become extremely difficult to maintain the initial business plan.” Despite exploring financing options to salvage the event, they stated, “We concluded that further progression would compromise our ability to ensure proper purse payments to the fighters and guarantee a safe, high-quality event for the fans, leading us to this bitter decision.”

The event director offered an apology, stating, “We deeply apologise for failing to meet the expectations of the fans and the fighters who entrusted us with their dreams,” adding that they intend to promptly address all affected parties. The statement further noted, “Our risk assessment and financial planning for a large-scale overseas event were naive,” and concluded, “We will fundamentally restructure our management system. Given the extreme gravity of our responsibility in this matter, we will announce necessary disciplinary actions as soon as they are finalised.”

On the night, Fujiki will face WBO Asia Pacific super-featherweight 15th-ranked Wira Mikham (Thailand, 21-2, 13 KOs) in a 59.9kg catchweight six-rounder.

The event features a heavily promoted contingent from the Ohashi Gym, alongside Fujiki, consisting of Yuta Sakai, Raito Kataoka, and Tomu Kataoka, all regarded as the next generation of potential stars. The card carries the promotional tagline “Rising stars of the boxing world.” Sakai (7-0, 6 KOs) is scheduled to face former OPBF champion Froilan Saludar (Philippines, 36-8-1, 25 KOs). Raito Kataoka, making his second professional appearance, takes on Suriya Suttaruksa (Thailand, 8-9, 4 KOs). Tomu Kataoka, a southpaw and two-time high school national champion, makes his professional debut against Attachai Prasertri (Thailand, 8-6, 5 KOs).

The remainder of the schedule functions as a prospect-heavy showcase, featuring appearances by powerful welterweight puncher Ryuko Ishii (Tokashiki), middleweight Kazuto Kawabuchi (ABC), and minimumweight Issa Sakata (S&K).

再起第2戦の決まった阿久井㊧。右は豊嶋亮太（写真は以前のもの）

Akui will face Lorentz Pearson (Philippines) in a 10-round super-flyweight contest. The Filipino is an orthodox fighter with a record of 8-2 (3 KOs) and will be making his professional debut in Japan.

Since prior to the Teraji bout, Akui has been engaged in rigorous physical conditioning. Although brief, his first comeback appearance last December—a third-round knockout of Vincent Laccur—demonstrated the tangible results of this training, raising expectations for his upcoming performance. Akui has already arrived in Tokyo and is currently undergoing final preparations at the Teiken Gym.

The card features a double header of title bouts: Kuntae Lee (Teiken) defends his WBO Asia Pacific super-lightweight title against Izuki Tomioka (Kadoebi Jewel), while Shohri Umetsu (Mitani Yamato Sports) challenges Keita Kurihara (KOD) for the Japanese bantamweight title.

エジプトで防衛戦を行う晝田

WBO female world super-flyweight champion Mizuki Hiruta (Misako) will face 10th-ranked challenger Mai Soliman (Australia) for her seventh title defence. While all 11 of Soliman’s professional bouts (10-1, 6 KOs) have taken place in Australia, she was born in Cairo, Egypt, meaning Hiruta will be venturing into the challenger’s home territory. The fight is part of the “GLORY in GIZA” event, headlined by a clash between three-belt heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (Ukraine) and kickboxer Rico Verhoeven (Netherlands).

Hiruta enjoyed a prolific campaign last year, recording four successful defences in the United States and earning the Ring Magazine Female Fighter of the Year award. In preparation for this bout, she has once again undergone an extensive training camp in Los Angeles. Given the magnitude of the event, Hiruta views this as a prime opportunity to further bolster her international profile, which fuels her ambition for a knockout victory. A win here would serve as a significant step toward her ultimate goal of a unification bout.

大嶋をダウンさせる池側

The southpaw Ikegawa initiated a measured start, establishing his range with a steady right jab. In the second round, he timed Oshima’s entry perfectly, stepping in with a straight left that nearly produced a knockdown. Continuing his methodical breakdown, Ikegawa utilised feints to land sharp left hands that Oshima struggled to evade. In the third, the champion connected cleanly with a left followed by a right uppercut.

Ikegawa’s defence remained impenetrable throughout the contest. By commanding the distance, he was able to land his left hand without taking unnecessary risks. After sweeping the scorecards in the first half of the bout, Ikegawa found a decisive opening early in the seventh. As Oshima tilted his head to launch a left hook, Ikegawa countered with an upward left cross. The impact sent Oshima spinning to the canvas.

Although Oshima regained his feet and remained determined to find a fight-ending left hook, he proved unable to avoid Ikegawa’s persistent left-hand leads. Referee Tanaka intervened to halt the bout as the challenger continued to absorb punishment. It was a performance defined by the champion’s composure. “I plan to rack up defences this year, so that by next year people will say, ‘Ikegawa is ready for the world,'” the victor stated. Ikegawa improves to 10-1-3 (4 KOs), while Oshima moves to 9-5-1 (5 KOs).

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).

戦線復帰の堤

Tsutsumi was originally scheduled to challenge for the WBA world title during the Saudi Arabia card late last year, but was forced to withdraw after sustaining an eye injury during sparring. Following successful surgery and a full recovery, he resumed live sparring in April. “I want to deliver a performance that reaffirms the potential and expectations people have for Hayato Tsutsumi,” the fighter stated.

“There was a period where I felt down after missing such a significant opportunity (the world title fight in Saudi Arabia), but I have dedicated this time to improving my level,” Tsutsumi added. Yusuke Ninomiya, representative of Shisei Promotions, emphasised that this bout is “intended as a stepping stone back towards a world title shot.”

Welcoming Tsutsumi’s participation, promoter Hideyuki Ohashi commented: “Having him join this card is a fantastic development not only for Lemino but for the entire boxing world.” He expressed high expectations for the prospect, who is widely regarded as a key figure for the next generation of the sport.

会見に出席した、左から堤、佐々木修平志成ジム会長、大橋プロモーター、二宮代表

ドゥラミニをダウンさせる中野

Against the mobile Dlamini, Nakano steadily closed the distance, establishing his straight left. In the closing moments of the opening round, a left body uppercut forced Dlamini off balance for the first knockdown. Emerging unscathed, Dlamini sought to mitigate the threat of Nakano’s power hand by circling to his own left. However, this movement played directly into Nakano’s preferred range, allowing him to extend his left hand effectively.

While Dlamini occasionally found success slipping in the right hand, he was consistently outgunned by Nakano’s lead. In the third, Nakano secured a second knockdown with a sharp straight left. Increasing the pressure at the start of the fourth, Nakano unleashed a flurry of left hands to floor Dlamini once more. As the South African collapsed forward, the referee promptly waved off the contest.

“I struggled to envision this success, but I am relieved to have won. I fought through constant fear leading up to this, but I will train to ensure I step into the ring with confidence next time,” an emotional Nakano stated post-fight. Nakano (30) improves to 15-1, 14 KOs. Dlamini (32), suffering the first stoppage defeat of his career, falls to 21-4, 12 KOs.

武藤㊧が藤田をストップしたシーン

In a clash of southpaws, it was Muto who initiated the offensive. Pressing forward behind right hooks and straight lefts, he forced Fujita to respond with flurries initiated by right hooks to the body.

However, Fujita’s aggressive attempts to overpower his opponent played into Muto’s hands. Exploiting the space Fujita left on the right side of his face during exchanges, Muto repeatedly landed short left crosses to seize control. In the third round, a clean straight left bloodied the champion’s nose, with the subsequent assault visibly shaking Fujita.

Muto demonstrated composure beyond mere momentum, doubling up on his right jab and using distance to evade return fire. While Fujita desperately targeted the body with right hooks and high-volume combinations, Muto responded in the fifth with a series of left uppercuts that worsened the damage and the bleeding.

Fujita attempted to employ his trademark footwork and upper-body movement to reset the distance, but the cumulative damage from the early rounds hampered his execution. Muto continued to dominate, outclassing the veteran both on the inside and while stalking him across the ring.

In the seventh, as Fujita tried to press forward, Muto unleashed a versatile left-hand barrage of uppercuts, hooks, and straights, prompting referee Tanaka to step in and rescue the defenceless champion.

“The relentless training for infighting bore fruit. I was anxious facing a higher-ranked opponent, but thanks to the support of those around me, I was able to fight with confidence,” said the new 21-year-old champion. He added, “From here, I just want to focus on winning each fight as it comes,” concluding with a grounded outlook. Muto improves to 10-1-1 (6 KOs). Fujita (32), who was dominated by the rising prospect despite his WBO No. 1 ranking, falls to 10-1 (5 KOs).

初回で挑戦者を倒した堀池

Horiike Retains Title via 110-Second TKO

The third bout of the evening, an OPBF super-lightweight title 10-rounder, saw champion Hiroki Horiike (Yokohama Hikari) secure a first-round TKO victory over 14th-ranked Raymond Yanong (PHI). Horiike dropped his challenger twice to end the contest at the 1:50 mark, successfully completing his first defence.

Horiike opened the action with a sharp right cross before flooring Yanong with a combination of left hooks to the head and body followed by a straight right. Although Yanong regained his feet, Horiike pursued him with a barrage punctuated by a short right uppercut. A final straight right sent Yanong down for the second time, prompting the referee to halt the bout.

“I expected a late-round battle, but I saw the opening and took it,” Horiike stated. He then expressed his intent to target the WBO Asia Pacific title: “I want a unification bout against the winner of next month’s fight between Gonte Lee (Teiken) and Itsuki Tomioka (Kadoebi ).” Horiike (24) improves to 8-0, 4 KOs. Yanong (32), suffering his first defeat in three appearances in Japan, moves to 18-11-1, 12 KOs.

Super-Lightweight 8-Rounder

Mikyo Watarai (Yokohama Hikari) [UD 3-0 (78-73, 79-72, 79-72)] Isaac Spata (Chunichi)

Second-ranked Japanese contender Mikyo Watarai marked his first bout since transferring gyms with a victory in his first outing since June last year. In the opening round, Watarai landed a left jab to the body that caused Spata to lose his balance for a knockdown. Spata attempted to find his rhythm using upper-body movement and timed left hooks, but Watarai remained disciplined, catching the shots on his right arm and utilising superior distance control to remain elusive. In the third, Watarai connected with a clean right following a left uppercut, staggering Spata with a subsequent flurry.

Spata responded by using his sway-back to evade Watarai’s follow-up attacks. As the bout progressed, both men showcased their defensive nuances under increasing pressure. In the final round, Spata surged in an attempt to turn the tide, but Watarai’s ability to slip and counter proved superior. Ultimately, Watarai’s deeper tactical experience decided the contest between two technically similar fighters.

Watarai(27) moves to 8-1, 5 KOs. Spata (25), the younger brother of Japanese and WBO Asia Pacific welterweight champion David Semujju [Note: Verification required], is now 9-1, 7 KOs.

Bantamweight 6-Rounder

Riku Asai (Teiken) [TKO2 2:40] Yuki Kajitani (Hachioji Nakaya)

On the 2nd, Inoue successfully defended his world titles before a crowd of 55,000 at the Tokyo Dome—the largest attendance in Japanese boxing history—against former three-division world champion Junto Nakatani (M.T). In a tactical encounter of the highest order between two undefeated fighters, Inoue secured a unanimous decision victory.

Inoue’s ascent to the PFP number one spot marks his return to the summit for the first time since May 2024, following his victory over Luis Nery. With this result, he surpasses heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (Ukraine) to claim the top position in the rankings. Following the release of the latest rankings, Inoue posted three flame emojis on his X account, offering a characteristically understated yet fervent expression of his achievement.

🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/STUn2eb9X9

— 井上尚弥 Naoya Inoue (@naoyainoue_410) May 4, 2026

Meanwhile, Nakatani, who suffered his first professional defeat at the hands of Inoue, dropped one place from 6th to 7th but remains firmly within the top ten. While a loss often results in a significant slide in the rankings, the fact that Nakatani’s descent was minimal serves as a testament to his steadfast global reputation.

The Ring PFP Rankings

1. Naoya Inoue (JPN)

2. Oleksandr Usyk (UKR)

3. Shakur Stevenson (USA)

4. Jesse Rodriguez (USA)

5. David Benavidez (USA)

6. Dmitry Bivol (RUS)

7. Junto Nakatani (JPN)

8. Devin Haney (USA)

9. Oscar Collazo (PUR)

10. Emanuel Navarrete (MEX)

大橋ジムで開かれた一夜明け会見

Appearing in light sunglasses with unusual swelling around his left eye, Naoya Inoue arrived alongside Takuma, whose face remained largely unmarked.

“I am delighted to welcome this day together with Takuma,” Naoya stated first. Reflecting on the moments he and his formidable challenger, Junto Nakatani (M.T), exchanged smiles during their tactical struggle, he added: “We fought while feeling each other’s technique and spirit. We both enjoyed that space where offence met defence, and even when throwing punches, they wouldn’t land.”

Throughout his 32-fight career, Naoya has rarely conceded rounds. However, last night resulted in his closest scores to date (116-112, 116-112, 115-113). Addressing this, he noted with a serious expression: “I felt a two-point margin was tight. If there is a discrepancy between my own sensation and the corner’s feedback versus the official scoring, I need to review it thoroughly. I also want to understand which elements the judges were prioritising when awarding points.”

The high-level contest drew significant praise for both the victor and the defeated Nakatani, leading to immediate talk of a sequel. “If there is a public demand for it, then a second fight is possible. Of course, there are other options, so I will discuss it with Chairman (Hideyuki) Ohashi,” Naoya remarked, encouraging fans to “expect more legends to be made.”

Takuma, who secured a dominant victory by scoring two knockdowns against the legendary Kazuto Ioka (Shisei), identified his jab as the decisive factor: “Winning the battle of the jabs allowed me to establish a good rhythm.” Trainer and father Shingo Inoue, also in attendance, expressed satisfaction: “We expected at least a parity in the jab against a fighter as skilled as Ioka, but Takuma out-jabbed him. That allowed him to fully utilise his foot speed thereafter.” Having reviewed Takuma’s performance, Naoya offered praise in his own unique style: “It was perfect. His defensive work against the ropes and the way he used his shoulders on the inside was almost ‘freakish’ in its technicality,” a comment that drew laughter from the assembled media.

中谷との高度な激闘を制した井上㊨

Following the introduction by ring announcer Michael Buffer, Nakatani was the first to enter the ring before a crowd of 55,000. Inoue followed, accompanied by a live performance by guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei. After the national anthem was performed by singer Fumiya Fujii, the opening bell sounded.

The bout commenced with an intense battle of feints. Nakatani utilised his superior reach with right jabs, while Inoue countered with low-aimed left jabs to the body. Both men demonstrated exceptional defensive movement to evade return shots, creating a high-tension opening that drew immediate roars from the audience.

The technical stalemate continued at an elite level, with Inoue constantly feinting with his upper body while Nakatani used his lead hand like a probe to disrupt the champion’s rhythm. In the fourth, Nakatani looked to land sharp left straights but missed the mark. Inoue began to increase his output, working behind the jab to set up short right hooks. In the fifth, Nakatani landed a glancing left straight, and in the sixth, he found success with his straight left from distance. Inoue, however, remained patient, consistently jabbing to close the range. As Inoue surged late in the round, Nakatani responded with a right uppercut.

Inoue intensified his offensive in the seventh, landing a clean right straight that appeared to be the most impactful blow of the fight to that point. The action escalated in the eighth as both men stood their ground. Nakatani refused to retreat, unleashing heavy combinations including a menacing right hook following his left.

Despite the intensity, both fighters appeared to relish the technical exchange; Nakatani was seen smiling after Inoue masterfully evaded a sequence of punches. In the ninth, Inoue displayed superb defensive skills to slip Nakatani’s unorthodox shots. An accidental clash of heads in the tenth caused a cut on the left side of Nakatani’s brow.

While Nakatani edged the tenth, Inoue mounted a comeback in the eleventh. He used uppercuts to force Nakatani into a high guard and followed up with a right-hand-led assault that forced the challenger to use his feet. The final round began to thunderous applause, with both men trading their primary weapons—the straight—until the final bell. Upon the conclusion, the two embraced in a show of mutual respect as a standing ovation swept through the stadium.

Winner Inoue remarked: “I executed a performance to show that I would be the one winning tonight. He is a fighter with immense heart. Because he is a PFP-ranked fighter, there is great value in this victory.” He then addressed the capacity crowd, saying, “I will return to this Tokyo Dome, so please show me this view again,” to thunderous applause. The champion added, “After a short rest, I want to sit down with Ohashi-kaicho and my father to consider future opponents and our next steps.”

Inoue improves his record to 33-0, 27 KOs. Nakatani, suffering his first professional defeat, moves to 32-1, 24 KOs.

Takei utilised light footwork to move laterally while countering the pursuing Wang with right uppercuts and left straights, also landing left body shots as he pivoted to the right. Undeterred, Wang continued his pressure, extending his right to the body, but Takei maintained his movement to deny the challenger his preferred distance.

However, in the third round, Wang intensified his pursuit and landed successive right hands. Takei was seen losing his balance near the ropes on several occasions.

Buoyed by this success, Wang accelerated his momentum. Takei attempted to halt him with left body shots and downward left crosses while moving extensively, but Wang’s pressure remained relentless.

In the sixth round, Takei initiated a forceful attack in an attempt to shift the momentum. He landed a left following a right uppercut, momentarily staggering Wang, and followed up with a flurry. However, failing to land cleanly, Takei instead found himself in trouble after taking a series of solid right hands. In the seventh, he was again backed into a corner and shaken by Wang’s right.

In the final round, with the finish line in sight, a rejuvenated Wang surged forward and connected with a series of rights. Takei looked for a fight-changing blow while retreating and finally landed a heavy left in the closing moments, though it appeared he had only narrowly withstood Wang’s offensive.

“I am truly sorry for putting on such a performance at such a major event. Wang was strong,” said a tearful Takei. He bowed in apology to all sides of the arena, adding, “I have nothing more to say.”

Takei (29) moves to 12-1 (9 KOs). Wang (26), who left the ring to significant applause from the crowd, now stands at 9-2 (3 KOs).

2回に井岡から先制のダウンを奪った井上㊧

The bout began with an expected battle of left jabs, which Inoue controlled to seize the initiative. Ioka pressured Inoue toward the ropes and unleashed combinations, but lacked the hand speed to land effectively as Inoue avoided the attacks with ease.

A stunning moment arrived in the second round. Inoue extended a right straight that snapped Ioka’s head back, followed by a counter right landed while backing against the ropes. A subsequent flurry sent Ioka to the canvas.

Ioka regained his feet and survived until the bell, but in the third round, Inoue forced him down again with a signature right uppercut. Despite the dominance, Inoue remained disciplined, drawing Ioka in to land counters and moving laterally to evade Ioka’s flurries.

The open scoring after four rounds showed Inoue leading 39-35, 39-35, and 40-34.

Ioka attempted to close the distance, targeting the body with left hooks following a right straight, but Inoue utilised weaving and lateral movement to escape, returning fire with left jabs and right uppercuts. In the seventh, Inoue landed a right uppercut followed by a left hook, before connecting with successive clean right uppercuts. Ioka refused to back down and fired back with combinations, but Inoue evaded them with composure.

By the end of the eighth round, the scores widened to 79-71, 79-71, and 80-70 in favour of Inoue.

In the tenth, Inoue lured Ioka in and landed precise jabs and right straights, causing Ioka to bleed from the nose. Unable to find his range with the jab or time his right hand, Ioka struggled to connect. He managed to rouse the crowd in the eleventh by pinning Inoue to the ropes and throwing a series of downward rights and left hooks, but Inoue used quick footwork to reset the distance.

In the final round, Inoue unleashed a fierce assault looking to finish the fight, but Ioka remained resilient. Continuing his sharp boxing, Inoue baited Ioka and landed a clean right uppercut-left hook combination. He maintained control until the final bell, consistently landing damaging blows.

“The tense 12 rounds went by in a flash. It was a very enjoyable fight,” the champion remarked. “I am who I am because of legends like him. I want to thank Ioka for bringing out the best in me.” When asked about his future, he reiterated his long-standing desire for a unification bout, adding, “From now on, I want to be recognised and supported as Takuma Inoue, not just as Naoya Inoue’s younger brother.”

Inoue (30) improves to 22-2 (5 KOs). Ioka (37) moves to 32-5-1 (17 KOs).

田中と激しい打ち合いを展開した佐々木㊧

The highly anticipated domestic top-tier welterweight clash took place before a near-capacity crowd. Both the flamboyant Sasaki and the more reserved Tanaka made high-energy ring walks to their respective theme music.

Following the opening bell, the two exchanged sharp left jabs before quickly engaging in a close-quarters rally. Tanaka’s combination punching, mixing hooks and uppercuts to the head and body, caused Sasaki’s face to flush early on. Sasaki responded in the second round by frequently digging heavy left hooks to the body, though he began to bleed from the nose after being caught by a clean Tanaka uppercut.

The battle continued at close range, with Tanaka landing uppercuts and Sasaki countering with left hooks. At this distance, Tanaka’s ability to thread uppercuts through the guard appeared more effective. Sasaki spent much of the fifth round with his back against the ropes but maintained his rhythm with upper-body movement and counter-punching. The open scoring announced after the fifth round saw Sasaki leading 2-1 (48-47, 49-46, 47-48).

In the second half, Sasaki regained his rhythm by behind a sharp jab. Tanaka attempted to halt Sasaki’s momentum in the eighth with further uppercuts, as a significant amount of blood flowed from Sasaki’s nose. Both men landed heavy right hands in the final round, maintaining a high-intensity struggle that prevented either fighter from taking definitive control until the end.

“I won by decision, but I think I disappointed the fans because I couldn’t do what they expected. This isn’t all I have,” Sasaki said in reflection. “To be honest, I intended to finish it within three rounds, but Tanaka fought compactly and calmly. I felt that if I can’t score a knockout here, I won’t be ready for the world stage.” Despite the self-criticism, he addressed the crowd over the microphone: “Don’t forget me. I’ll be fighting another strong opponent on September 21st in Hachioji. One, two, three—World, just you wait!”

Sasaki improves to 21-18-2-1 (18 KOs). Tanaka, failing in his first title defence, moves to 5-1 (5 KOs).

阿部に2－0勝ちした下町㊧

The southpaw encounter opened in a measured fashion, with Reiya Abe utilizing upper-body fluidity to navigate the ring while Toshiki Shimomachi looked to counter. Both fighters displayed sophisticated defensive maneuvers, resulting in a cagey opening where clean scoring blows were scarce.

Reiya Abe consistently attempted to dictate the tempo, yet Toshiki Shimomachi remained composed, landing a grazing right hook in the third. Reiya Abe responded in the fifth with a light overhand left and a sharp return jab.

The tactical battle intensified in the sixth as both men increased their work rate, demonstrating a mastery of distance and spatial awareness, yet definitive shots remained elusive. In a series of rounds that proved difficult to score, Reiya Abe increased his output in the seventh, connecting with a right hook followed by a straight left. Toshiki Shimomachi answered in the eighth with a clean counter left uppercut that drew blood from Reiya Abe’s nose and caused swelling beneath his right eye.

Reiya Abe continued to press the action with rapid entries and exits, landing an occasional lunging left. However, Toshiki Shimomachi utilized his reach effectively, repelling the attacks with long right jabs, straight lefts, and uppercuts. Both men maintained a high technical standard until the final bell.

Toshiki Shimomachi (29) improves to 23-1-3 (12 KOs). Reiya Abe (33) moves to 28-5-2 (10 KOs).