Whilst we have several world title fights on Saturday across the world it's also worth remembering that this weekend also has a world title fight on Sunday as the attention of the hardcore boxing world turns to Japan.
Although originally the Teiken promoted super-card at the Kokugikan in Tokyo was supposed to have two world title fights the pull out of Cuban Abril has left us with just one as the popular Shinsuke Yamanaka (19-0-2, 14) fights the teak tough Alberto Guevara (18-1, 6) in a defense of the WBC Bantamweight title.
Yamanaka has become one of Japan's most notable boxers of the last few years due to a series of high quality wins. Like Toshiaki Nishioka before him Yamanaka has become of the of the Japanese fighters who has been facing notable opponents that are known by international fans. Not only as Yamanaka beaten fellow Asian's such Malcolm Tunacao but also international opponents such as Vic Darchinyan, Tomas Rojas, Christian Esquivel and Jose Nieves.
The key to Yamanaka's success is his over-all skill. He can be made to struggle, as he did against Tunacao, Darchinyan and Esquivel, but he refuses to be beaten and when required to go to the well he does it. He combines this refusal to lose with genuine KO power, a tricky southpaw stance, solid boxing fundamentals and very impressive defense for a Japanese fighter.
Although generally happy to box and wait for an opportunity Yamanaka can steamroll opponents when he feels like it, as he did against Nieves. This poses three problems to opponents. Will Yamanaka box their head off, go to war with them in a brawl-as he did with compatriot Ryosuke Iwasa or will he just try to get them out of there as he did with Nieves?
American fans should be aware Guevara who gave the insanely talented Leo Santa Cruz one of his toughest bouts late last year. Against Santa Cruz we saw Guevara move excellently and give Santa Cruz real problems in pinning him down for 5 or 6 rounds. Although lacking genuine power Guevara has developed a style, like Miguel Vazquez, which makes him difficult to punch.
Talented as a counter puncher or as a stick-and-move pure boxer Guevara is a tough test for anyone. He's not the best pure boxer in the division, that's a title certainly held by Anselmo Moreno, but he's well inside the top 10 and he could actually be a better pure boxer than Yamanaka, unlike many of the champions recent opponents.
Although I expect Guevara to really test the Japanese fighter it's difficult to see the upset here. Guevara probably has the toughness to see out the final bell, but not take the decision in what is a very interesting contest.
Prediction-Yamanaka UD12
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