Kota Matsuno of Kanagawa Atsumi Boxing Gym stopped Taishin Isotani, a grandson of former world super welterweight champion Koichi Wajima, with a counter right in the fourth and final round to win the welterweight division of the East-Japan rookies’ tournament final on Nov. 3.

The technical knockout at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall came 53 seconds into the round, when the 20-year-old Matsuno landed an overhand right just when Isotani attempted to land a straight right. The 21-year-old Isotani of Wajima Koichi Sports Gym was sent to the canvas in a spread-eagled position, prompting the referee to stop the fight soon after.

With the win, Matsuno improved his record to three wins, including two KOs, while it was Isotani’s first defeat after winning his first four bouts, all by KO. Matsuno was later given the Fighting Spirit Prize.
Matsuno and 11 other winners in the tournament will face the winners of the West-Japan rookies’ tournament on Dec. 17 to decide Japan’s rookies’ kings.