An additional matchup for “Lemino BOXING PHOENIX BATTLE 159,” scheduled for 19 August at Korakuen Hall, was announced during a press conference held in Tokyo on 13 July. The co-feature of the event, which is headlined by the WBO Asia Pacific lightweight title match between Shu Utsugi and Reito Takahashi, will see former OPBF welterweight champion Sora Tanaka (Ohashi) make his return to the ring in a comeback bout against Raymond Yanong (Philippines).
大橋会長を挟んで北野㊧と田中㊨
Tanaka (5-1, 5 KOs) lost his title via a 10-round split decision to challenger Jin Sasaki (Hachioji Nakaya) at the Tokyo Dome in May, suffering the first defeat of his professional career. “I kept using the same approach throughout,” Tanaka remarked, expressing regret over the crucial loss.
Receiving significant encouragement in the aftermath, he resolved to launch a comeback, stating, “I have to work even harder.” His return has been finalized against Yanong (18-11-1, 12 KOs), who travelled to Japan in May to challenge Hiroki Horiike (Yokohama Hikari) for the OPBF super-lightweight title. Tanaka expressed satisfaction at securing an opportunity to return to the ring so quickly.
Gym president Hideyuki Ohashi revealed plans for a rematch, stating, “If both Sasaki and Tanaka win their next bouts, we intend to schedule a rematch.” His rival, Sasaki, is scheduled to contest a three-belt championship match against Japanese national and WBO Asia Pacific champion David Semujju (Chunichi) in Hachioji this September. Tanaka intends to watch the bout live, and Issei Nakaya, president of the Hachioji Nakaya Gym, responded by confirming he would arrange a ringside seat for him.
Furthermore, President Ohashi indicated that following the conclusion of the ongoing super-featherweight tournament, he intends to organize a welterweight tournament next year. While neither Sasaki nor Tanaka are expected to participate, the weight class features numerous punchers and aggressive fighters, raising expectations for an exciting tournament.
Also announced during the press conference was the opening bout of the card, a contest for the vacant OPBF minimumweight title. The matchup features OPBF number 3-ranked Takero Kitano (Ohashi) against the reigning OPBF silver champion, Elson Trinidad (Philippines). Kitano (10-1-1, 4 KOs) previously challenged Joseph Sumabong (Philippines) for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific minimumweight title last October, dropping a 10-round unanimous decision in his first bid for a regional title. Expressing his firm determination to secure the belt this time, Kitano remarked, “The frustration was intense, and it has left me with a truly powerful desire to possess the title.”
His opponent, Trinidad (10-5-1, 6 KOs), is an orthodox fighter who previously served as the debut opponent for former WBA minimumweight champion Ryusei Matsumoto (Teiken) in February 2023, losing via a third-round knockout.
