In the WBO flyweight title fight at “U-NEXT BOXING 5” held at the Yokohama BUNTAI on the 15th, champion Anthony Olascuaga (USA) defeated challenger Jukiya Iimura (Kadoebi-Hoseki) by TKO at 1:19 of the ninth round, successfully defending his title for the fifth time.
飯村を鎮圧したオラスクアガ
From the opening bell, Olascuaga pressed the action, radiating power as he closed the distance on Iimura. While Iimura attempted to establish a rhythm with double jabs and body work, Olascuaga remained a constant threat, consistently landing precise left straights even after missing with his right hand—a recurring tactical complication for the challenger.
Iimura defended well against the champion’s power shots, firing back immediately, but he was frequently overwhelmed by Olascuaga’s high-volume, diverse attack. Olascuaga punished the challenger with an uppercut-heavy assault in the third round and continued the onslaught in the fourth with double jabs followed by sweeping right hands.
Iimura’s resilience was noteworthy. Despite a swollen forehead, he used his footwork to constantly adjust his positioning, minimizing damage while maintaining his own offensive output whenever possible.
Nevertheless, Olascuaga’s work rate did not diminish, and Iimura’s resistance was clearly reaching its limit. In the seventh round, a clean right uppercut followed by a left hook dropped Iimura to the canvas. Although Iimura survived the remainder of the round and struggled through a punishing eighth, the end came in the ninth. As Iimura attempted a desperate final rally, a flush left hook from Olascuaga prompted referee Nelson to intervene and halt the contest at 1:19.
The powerful champion once again showcased his offensive prowess, marking his fourth victory over a Japanese opponent in world flyweight title bouts. Following the fight, Olascuaga praised Iimura’s effort, stating, “He had a lot of heart. My hands hurt.” Iimura was unsuccessful in his maiden world title bid.
