International Boxing Federation’s 10th-ranked super bantamweight Hiroaki Teshigawara of Misako Boxing Gym was knocked out in the second round by ninth-ranked Marlon Tapales of the Philippines on Dec. 11 (12 Japan time) in California in a match to decide the next challenger against IBF champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev of Uzbekistan.

The knockout of the scheduled 12-rounder at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson came 6 seconds into the round when the 31-year-old Teshigawara was dropped to the canvas with southpaw Tapales’ right hook to the head.

Teshigawara also suffered two knockdowns in the first round, both with right hooks, although he managed to survive the round.

With the loss, Teshigawara fell to 22 wins, including 15 KOs, against three losses and two draws. For his part, the 29-year-old Tapales improved his record to 35 wins, including 18 KOs, against three defeats.

The fight was held as one of the undercards for World Boxing Council bantamweight champion Filipino Nonito Donaire’s title defense against interim champion and compatriot Reymart Gaballo.
It was Teshigawara’s not only the first fight abroad but also his first bout held outside Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall.　Photos by SUMIO YAMADA