One of the final world title bouts of the year is an all-Japanese clash between WBA Super Featherweight champion Takashi Uchiyama (20-0-1, 17) and fellow Japanese fighter Daiki Kaneko (19-2-3, 12). The bout, to those outside of Japan, looks like a mismatch with Uchiyama being a clear favourite though from the view of many Japanese fans this is a truly outstanding match-up between the best in the world and one of the top contenders from around the world.
Whilst fans in the US and the Europe won't know much about Kaneko he's a genuinely credible fighter. He's currently on an excellent 16 fight unbeaten run which has seen him claim the Japanese national title and make several defenses of the belt. The 16 fight streak has seen Kaneko develop markedly and score 10 KO's taking his record from 6-2 (2) to 19-2-3 (12).
Aged 25 Kaneko is young, quickly maturing and a fighter who has really developed. He was once a light hitting teenager though now appears to he a heavy hitting man with solid straight shots and an ever improving technique.
Although Kaneko, despite significant improvements, will be the under-dog he will be a live one against Uchiyama, a man many feel is the premier Super Featherweight on the planet.
At his best Uchiyama is a destructive, strong and powerful fighter who control the distance of the fight well walking down his opponents well before unloading with either powerful single shots or devastating combinations. Although a huge puncher Uchiyama has shown an incredible patience in many of his fights, applying intelligent pressure with out forcing the issue too much.
Aged 34 Uchiyama is probably on the slide slightly whilst Kaneko is improving however though with his style being so intelligent Uchiyama has generally avoided wars. The one time he has been hurt was when he faced Takashi Miura and even though he was dropped hard there he recovered used his boxing and came back to stop Miura. Although not young he's probably fresher than most other 34 year old fighters and with his power it could be just a matter of time here.
From where I'm sat I favour Uchiyama to take a few rounds to see what Kaneko has, force the younger man to work hard and then find open opportunities before unloading on the young challenger who makes it into the second half of the fight but not too much further.
Prediction-Uchiyama TKO8
Showing posts with label Japanese. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Japanese. Show all posts
Monday, 30 December 2013
Sunday, 29 December 2013
Takashi Miura v Dante Jardon
Japanese fighters fighting on New Years Eve is nothing new, in fact it's been a tradition over the last few years. This year however we end up with a potential FOTY of the year coming on new years eve as WBC Super Featherweight champion Takashi Miura (26-2-2, 19) takes on free swinging Mexican Danta Jardon (24-3, 20).
Fans who have followed either fighter over the last few years will know how entertaining they can be by themselves. When you put them together though, one must expect fireworks, one must expect a war and one anticipates nothing short of breathtaking back and forth action. If you've not seen either I'd advise giving both men a watch before New Year's Eve, especially Miura's last fight which saw him going to war with Sergio Thompson.
Of the two men Miura is the more established. He's not just the WBC world champion but was also a Japanese national champion earlier in his career and a man who is widely regarded as a really top tier Super Featherweight. His first world title fight may have saw him coming unstuck against Takashi Uchiyama but it was obvious from that fight that he had real potential to do something special himself.
Since the loss to Uchiyama in January 2011 we've seen Miura score 6 straight wins, including notable title fight victories over both Gamaliel Diaz and Sergio Thompson. It's those two fights in particular that have made Miura so well known with hard core fans. He's proven to be tough, hard working and an explosive puncher, despite the fact his record only makes him look like an above average hitter.
Jardon, at least on paper, is the bigger hitter though also the slightly less tough fighter. The Mexican challenger, dubbed "Crazy", has been known for being very fun to watch with a wild punching style and an aggressive mindset. It's not always worked for him but on the whole it's been successful with very few opponents managing to make him pay for his wild style.
At his best Jardon is a real threat, at his worst though he's just a single counter from going to sleep. Saying that I think for this fight, his first world title fight, he will tidy up what he does in the ring and fight a more intelligent fight than usual. He'll not manage to become Guillermo Rigondeaux over-night but he'll show a level of restraint that one wouldn't expect from seeing him.
Although I expect a slightly restrained Jardon I don't expect him to be able to curb his natural mindset and as a result this will become a war. A few slow, casual rounds might occur at the start but by the midway point this will become a real, all out war. Who ever can take the more damage will win the war and personally I favour Miura to be that man.
Prediction-Miura TKO11
Fans who have followed either fighter over the last few years will know how entertaining they can be by themselves. When you put them together though, one must expect fireworks, one must expect a war and one anticipates nothing short of breathtaking back and forth action. If you've not seen either I'd advise giving both men a watch before New Year's Eve, especially Miura's last fight which saw him going to war with Sergio Thompson.
Of the two men Miura is the more established. He's not just the WBC world champion but was also a Japanese national champion earlier in his career and a man who is widely regarded as a really top tier Super Featherweight. His first world title fight may have saw him coming unstuck against Takashi Uchiyama but it was obvious from that fight that he had real potential to do something special himself.
Since the loss to Uchiyama in January 2011 we've seen Miura score 6 straight wins, including notable title fight victories over both Gamaliel Diaz and Sergio Thompson. It's those two fights in particular that have made Miura so well known with hard core fans. He's proven to be tough, hard working and an explosive puncher, despite the fact his record only makes him look like an above average hitter.
Jardon, at least on paper, is the bigger hitter though also the slightly less tough fighter. The Mexican challenger, dubbed "Crazy", has been known for being very fun to watch with a wild punching style and an aggressive mindset. It's not always worked for him but on the whole it's been successful with very few opponents managing to make him pay for his wild style.
At his best Jardon is a real threat, at his worst though he's just a single counter from going to sleep. Saying that I think for this fight, his first world title fight, he will tidy up what he does in the ring and fight a more intelligent fight than usual. He'll not manage to become Guillermo Rigondeaux over-night but he'll show a level of restraint that one wouldn't expect from seeing him.
Although I expect a slightly restrained Jardon I don't expect him to be able to curb his natural mindset and as a result this will become a war. A few slow, casual rounds might occur at the start but by the midway point this will become a real, all out war. Who ever can take the more damage will win the war and personally I favour Miura to be that man.
Prediction-Miura TKO11
Kazuto Ioka v Felix Alvarado
For Japanese boxing fans 2013 has been a very interesting year with various fighters making statements, either positive or negative, in the ring. One of those was men was Kazuto Ioka (13-0, 9) who unfortunately avoided a clash with Roman Gonzalez, though did stop two experienced Thai's in a year that saw him retaining his WBA Light Flyweight title.
Ioka ends the year with a fight that sees him battling the highly touted Nicaraguan puncher Felix Alvarado (18-0, 15), it may not be Gonzalez but it's still an unbeaten South American puncher who has a fast growing reputation as a genuine danger-man at 108lbs.
The fight, which will see Ioka making his third and likely final defense of the Light Flyweight title, is one of those rare ones that not only sees both men having unbeaten records but also having records that make both of them look like punchers. Unfortunately though the knockouts of Alvarado have come at a low level with the Nicaraguan being untested anywhere near the world level.
What doesn't help Alvarado isn't just the level of competition but his over-all experience. Despite being in 18 fights the Nicaraguan has only amassed 51 rounds, less than 3 a fight. This is a worry with Alvarado having never gone 12 rounds and having only a single bout that has gone beyond the 6 round distance a real worry in terms of his stamina.
Alvarado is dangerous, especially early, though after the first few rounds it seems that he runs out of ideas and if a fighter can take his power they can certainly give him trouble.
For Ioka the real risk to his title comes in the first 3, or possibly 4 rounds. If the Japanese fighter can see out the expected early storm then I fancy that his experienced and more rounded skills will see him slow picking apart Alvarado who will begin to tire around the middle rounds.
Ioka isn't nearly the puncher that Alvarado looks, at least on paper though he's a very clean puncher who finds a home for his jab and straight. His straight right hand to the body is the real danger punch and I imagine that a tiring Alvarado will feel the effects of them in the middle to late rounds. Ioka has proven capable at pacing himself with an average fight length of more than 7 rounds and this, as well as the fact he has been facing stiff opponents will be the difference between the two men.
Prediction-Ioka TKO9
Ioka ends the year with a fight that sees him battling the highly touted Nicaraguan puncher Felix Alvarado (18-0, 15), it may not be Gonzalez but it's still an unbeaten South American puncher who has a fast growing reputation as a genuine danger-man at 108lbs.
The fight, which will see Ioka making his third and likely final defense of the Light Flyweight title, is one of those rare ones that not only sees both men having unbeaten records but also having records that make both of them look like punchers. Unfortunately though the knockouts of Alvarado have come at a low level with the Nicaraguan being untested anywhere near the world level.
What doesn't help Alvarado isn't just the level of competition but his over-all experience. Despite being in 18 fights the Nicaraguan has only amassed 51 rounds, less than 3 a fight. This is a worry with Alvarado having never gone 12 rounds and having only a single bout that has gone beyond the 6 round distance a real worry in terms of his stamina.
Alvarado is dangerous, especially early, though after the first few rounds it seems that he runs out of ideas and if a fighter can take his power they can certainly give him trouble.
For Ioka the real risk to his title comes in the first 3, or possibly 4 rounds. If the Japanese fighter can see out the expected early storm then I fancy that his experienced and more rounded skills will see him slow picking apart Alvarado who will begin to tire around the middle rounds.
Ioka isn't nearly the puncher that Alvarado looks, at least on paper though he's a very clean puncher who finds a home for his jab and straight. His straight right hand to the body is the real danger punch and I imagine that a tiring Alvarado will feel the effects of them in the middle to late rounds. Ioka has proven capable at pacing himself with an average fight length of more than 7 rounds and this, as well as the fact he has been facing stiff opponents will be the difference between the two men.
Prediction-Ioka TKO9
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
Akira Yaegashi v Edgar Sosa
This weekend is awash with major fights across the world but the one that stands out for me is in Japan on Friday as WBC Flyweight champion Akira Yaegashi (18-3, 9) defends his title for the second time. Yaegashi, a former Minimumweight champion and current Flyweight champion, takes on Mexican Edgar Sosa (49-7, 29) a man who was a former stand out at Light Flyweight.
Yaegashi has quickly become one of my favourite fighters. He's a certified warrior who goes to war on a regular basis and seems unhappy when fights don't result in both men landing bombs on each other. Thankfully Sosa, at his best, is a similar sort of fighter. Sosa is more rounded as a boxer with better straight shots, but on the flip side Yeagashi seems to have a way to turn fights into wars.
Sosa, at his best was a phenomenal Light Flyweight who boxed excellently, could hold his own in a war and at one point was on the verges of the pound-for-pound lists. That came to an end when Sosa was beaten in a highly controversial bout with Rodel Mayol, a bout saw Mayol headbutting Sosa and breaking his nose before stopping him.
Following the loss to Mayol we've seen Sosa moving to Flyweight. At 112lbs we've seen him fall short against Pongsaklek Wonjongkam, though that was 2 years ago and since then he has scored notable victories over Ulises Solis and Giovani Segura. Those two victories have seen Sosa working his way to this world title fight and really have a year to remember, just as many were about to write him off.
Going in to this fight I think if Sosa loses it's the end of his career. He's had 46 fights already, he's 34, has 415 rounds and has been a professional for over 13 years. That type of career takes a lot out of a fighter and Sosa isn't the fighter he once was. He may well have some of the traits that made him so good but he's not that fighter.
The biggest problem for Yaegashi will be getting around the reach of Sosa. Sosa holds a major reach advantage and if he can use that to establish his jab then Yaegashi will really struggle. Saying that however I think Yaegashi will manage to get inside and turn this into a toe-to-toe brawl and if he can then this has FOTY contender written all over it.
If Yaegashi can't cut the range then this will be a long night for the champion and the title will be changing hands, saying that though I do think Yaegashi will be able to inside and we'll have a fight that no fan should miss.
Prediction-Yaegashi UD12 (Close)
Yaegashi has quickly become one of my favourite fighters. He's a certified warrior who goes to war on a regular basis and seems unhappy when fights don't result in both men landing bombs on each other. Thankfully Sosa, at his best, is a similar sort of fighter. Sosa is more rounded as a boxer with better straight shots, but on the flip side Yeagashi seems to have a way to turn fights into wars.
Sosa, at his best was a phenomenal Light Flyweight who boxed excellently, could hold his own in a war and at one point was on the verges of the pound-for-pound lists. That came to an end when Sosa was beaten in a highly controversial bout with Rodel Mayol, a bout saw Mayol headbutting Sosa and breaking his nose before stopping him.
Following the loss to Mayol we've seen Sosa moving to Flyweight. At 112lbs we've seen him fall short against Pongsaklek Wonjongkam, though that was 2 years ago and since then he has scored notable victories over Ulises Solis and Giovani Segura. Those two victories have seen Sosa working his way to this world title fight and really have a year to remember, just as many were about to write him off.
Going in to this fight I think if Sosa loses it's the end of his career. He's had 46 fights already, he's 34, has 415 rounds and has been a professional for over 13 years. That type of career takes a lot out of a fighter and Sosa isn't the fighter he once was. He may well have some of the traits that made him so good but he's not that fighter.
The biggest problem for Yaegashi will be getting around the reach of Sosa. Sosa holds a major reach advantage and if he can use that to establish his jab then Yaegashi will really struggle. Saying that however I think Yaegashi will manage to get inside and turn this into a toe-to-toe brawl and if he can then this has FOTY contender written all over it.
If Yaegashi can't cut the range then this will be a long night for the champion and the title will be changing hands, saying that though I do think Yaegashi will be able to inside and we'll have a fight that no fan should miss.
Prediction-Yaegashi UD12 (Close)
Monday, 2 December 2013
Tomoki Kameda v Immanuel Naidjala
Earlier this year Tomoki Kameda (28-0, 18) became a very significant figure in Japanese and world boxing. When he claimed the WBO Bantamweight title with a victory over Paulus Moses he became Japan's first ever WBO champion and in the process became the third of the Kameda brothers to claim a world title, thus setting a world record.
Tomoki will look to defend his title for the first time this coming Tuesday when he takes on unbeaten Namibian challenger Immanuel Naidjala (17-0-1, 11).
On paper this looks like a great fight with men who's combined record reads 45-0-1 (29) in reality however I expect this to be little more than a boxing lesson by Tomoki over the short and crude, but tough, Naidjala.
From what footage of Naidjala is available he looks like the sort of fighter who can be beaten with just a jab and some movement. He's the epitome of crude and although he looks incredibly strong he does look like the sort of fighter who will be able to catch Kameda when the Japanese fighter is boxing off his jab.
I think this fight sees Kameda boxing early on and moving, making Naidjala chase him and swing at air. After 5 or 6 rounds of this however Tomoki will likely feel more confident in holding his feet and going to the midsection of the challenger. Although this is playing to Naidjala's strengths it's hard to envision Naidjala having the power, skill or speed to really hurt Tomoki who will grind down the challenger in the last half of the fight.
Prediction-Tomoki TKO11
Tomoki will look to defend his title for the first time this coming Tuesday when he takes on unbeaten Namibian challenger Immanuel Naidjala (17-0-1, 11).
On paper this looks like a great fight with men who's combined record reads 45-0-1 (29) in reality however I expect this to be little more than a boxing lesson by Tomoki over the short and crude, but tough, Naidjala.
From what footage of Naidjala is available he looks like the sort of fighter who can be beaten with just a jab and some movement. He's the epitome of crude and although he looks incredibly strong he does look like the sort of fighter who will be able to catch Kameda when the Japanese fighter is boxing off his jab.
I think this fight sees Kameda boxing early on and moving, making Naidjala chase him and swing at air. After 5 or 6 rounds of this however Tomoki will likely feel more confident in holding his feet and going to the midsection of the challenger. Although this is playing to Naidjala's strengths it's hard to envision Naidjala having the power, skill or speed to really hurt Tomoki who will grind down the challenger in the last half of the fight.
Prediction-Tomoki TKO11
Katsunari Takayama v Vergilio Silvano
Katsunari Takayama (25-6-0-1, 10) is, if you've never seen him, the embodiment of the lower weight classes. Hard working, gutsy, tough and a damned sight more talented and interesting then men twice his weight. Unfortunately the IBF Minimumweight champion is one of the most over-looked and forgotten fighters on the planet.
For the first time in since 2008 Takayama returns to fight Osaka, the place where he forged much of his early career. Sadly Takayama's journey to the IBF title saw him forced to become a hermit, traveling around the world for fights in the Philippines, South Africa and Mexico. Funnily however his first defense of the belt will be in Japan as he battles Filipino Vergilio Silvano (17-2-1, 10).
Takayama is a certified warrior. He's not a big puncher but he's tough, hard working, skilled and fast. He's a man who isn't afraid of losing, and seems to know that if he loses it's to a world class fighter as seen in losses to Eagle Den Junlaphan, Yutaka Niida, Roman Gonzalez and Nkosinathi Joyi, non of whom got out their contests with him without a fight.
In Silvano Takayama is taking on a man who is far less established but is looking to score a victory that will put him on the boxing map. The Filipino youngster is a confident fighter riding an 18 fight unbeaten streak and a 4-0 record in title fights. Unfortunately for Silvano however he's stepping up in a big way moving from fighting Jetly Purisima for the WBO Oriental Light Flyweight title to fighting Takayama for the IBF world title.
For me it's that step up that will decide the fight. Takayama will have seen everything Silvano has in his arsenal, on the flipside a lot of what Takayama has will be new to the challenger. The gulf in experience, skill and top fight ability will show through here, however I think Silvano will show enough to come again at another point somewhere down the line.
Prediction-Takayama UD12 (clear).
For the first time in since 2008 Takayama returns to fight Osaka, the place where he forged much of his early career. Sadly Takayama's journey to the IBF title saw him forced to become a hermit, traveling around the world for fights in the Philippines, South Africa and Mexico. Funnily however his first defense of the belt will be in Japan as he battles Filipino Vergilio Silvano (17-2-1, 10).
Takayama is a certified warrior. He's not a big puncher but he's tough, hard working, skilled and fast. He's a man who isn't afraid of losing, and seems to know that if he loses it's to a world class fighter as seen in losses to Eagle Den Junlaphan, Yutaka Niida, Roman Gonzalez and Nkosinathi Joyi, non of whom got out their contests with him without a fight.
In Silvano Takayama is taking on a man who is far less established but is looking to score a victory that will put him on the boxing map. The Filipino youngster is a confident fighter riding an 18 fight unbeaten streak and a 4-0 record in title fights. Unfortunately for Silvano however he's stepping up in a big way moving from fighting Jetly Purisima for the WBO Oriental Light Flyweight title to fighting Takayama for the IBF world title.
For me it's that step up that will decide the fight. Takayama will have seen everything Silvano has in his arsenal, on the flipside a lot of what Takayama has will be new to the challenger. The gulf in experience, skill and top fight ability will show through here, however I think Silvano will show enough to come again at another point somewhere down the line.
Prediction-Takayama UD12 (clear).
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
Koki Eto v Yodmongkol Vor Saengthep
Whilst Asia is often viewed as being under-the-radar by boxing fans a number of Asian fights do seem to be able to become success courtesy of things like Youtube and various video sharers. One such fight was that of Koki Eto (14-2-1, 10) and Kompayak Porpramook from earlier this year. That contest, for the WBA interim Flyweight title was one of this years best fights and deserves to be considered on any FOTY list come the end of December.
Eto returns to Thailand, where that bout took place, as he takes on another Thai opponent Yodmongkol Vor Saengthep (32-2, 19) a man some fans may know better as Yodmongol CP Freshmart.
So far in Eto's career he has been the only one of three brothers to compete on the world stage. It was fair to say prior to his bout with Kompayak I didn't think he had what it took to defeat the Thai war machine but yet he out fought Kompayak in a thriller. What he proved there however was that he was a monster with solid fundamentals, when he needed them, a warriors mentality and engine like very others. He took it to Kompayak from the opening round and slowly ground down and beat the spirit out of Kompayak who was dropped in the final round, and would have been stopped had he not been at home or had his reputation for being a warrior.
With his victory over Kompayak, Eto created history due to the fact he was the first ever Japanese man to win a world title fight on Thailand. Unlike many fighters from Japan who had gone over to Thailand he seemed very happy in the conditions which are very unique. The thing about Thailand is that fights are held out door, in the middle of the day and often with searing heat. These conditions clearly favour the Thai's who are used to them but really don't do favours for foreigners going to fights over there.
When it comes to Yodmongkol he's a fighter than many who follow the Thai scene will have seen but nothing really stands out about him in terms of what he does in the ring. That's not a bad thing but he just seems like a very standard fighter, despite looking slightly more technically proficient than a number of other Thai's. He has nice enough hand speed but nothing amazing.
What Yodmongkol however does have is real confidence. He is on a 28 fight winning streak and although his level of competition has been average at best he is a fighter who will be used to the Thai conditions and a man fighting for the honour of Thailand, and his stablemate Kompayak (another of the CP Freshmart fighters).
Although I imagine Yodmongkol will show a lot of desire to win I can't help but think that Eto will manage to break him down. The only reason Kompayak wasn't stopped is that he's a tough, tough man and I don't think Yodmongkol has that same toughness either physically or mentally to withstand the Eto assault for 12 rounds.
Prediction-Eto TKO 9
Eto returns to Thailand, where that bout took place, as he takes on another Thai opponent Yodmongkol Vor Saengthep (32-2, 19) a man some fans may know better as Yodmongol CP Freshmart.
So far in Eto's career he has been the only one of three brothers to compete on the world stage. It was fair to say prior to his bout with Kompayak I didn't think he had what it took to defeat the Thai war machine but yet he out fought Kompayak in a thriller. What he proved there however was that he was a monster with solid fundamentals, when he needed them, a warriors mentality and engine like very others. He took it to Kompayak from the opening round and slowly ground down and beat the spirit out of Kompayak who was dropped in the final round, and would have been stopped had he not been at home or had his reputation for being a warrior.
With his victory over Kompayak, Eto created history due to the fact he was the first ever Japanese man to win a world title fight on Thailand. Unlike many fighters from Japan who had gone over to Thailand he seemed very happy in the conditions which are very unique. The thing about Thailand is that fights are held out door, in the middle of the day and often with searing heat. These conditions clearly favour the Thai's who are used to them but really don't do favours for foreigners going to fights over there.
When it comes to Yodmongkol he's a fighter than many who follow the Thai scene will have seen but nothing really stands out about him in terms of what he does in the ring. That's not a bad thing but he just seems like a very standard fighter, despite looking slightly more technically proficient than a number of other Thai's. He has nice enough hand speed but nothing amazing.
What Yodmongkol however does have is real confidence. He is on a 28 fight winning streak and although his level of competition has been average at best he is a fighter who will be used to the Thai conditions and a man fighting for the honour of Thailand, and his stablemate Kompayak (another of the CP Freshmart fighters).
Although I imagine Yodmongkol will show a lot of desire to win I can't help but think that Eto will manage to break him down. The only reason Kompayak wasn't stopped is that he's a tough, tough man and I don't think Yodmongkol has that same toughness either physically or mentally to withstand the Eto assault for 12 rounds.
Prediction-Eto TKO 9
Monday, 18 November 2013
Koki Kameda v Jung-Oh Son
WBA Bantamweight champion Koki Kameda (31-1, 17) may be a man disliked by many and ignored by many more but he is widely regarded as a genuinely top tier Bantamweight and a fighter who has the ability to prove that, occasionally. This week however Koki looks to continue his typical career pattern of fighting C-grade challengers as he travels to Korea to fight Korea's very own Jung-Oh Son (20-4-2, 6).
Kameda, a talented, though somewhat over-rated fighter with a very high view of himself is solid. He's not amazing but he's skilled, has nice handspeed, good movement, decent stamina and whilst he lacks power he does tend to to be able to land crisp and clean shots. This set of traits has seen Kameda claiming world titles at Light Flyweight, Flyweight and Bantamweight to become the first, and so far only, 3-weight world champion from Japan.
Unfortunately for Koki his power will limit his potential to claim a world title at a weight higher though he certainly has the potential to move down to Super Flyweight in the future.
Despite Koki's lack of power at 118lbs he should have more than enough to defeat the light hitting Korean challenger who at best is limited.
Dubbed the "Hurricane" Son is a hard working fighter though unfortunately lacks the power to get the job done anywhere near this level.
Son may be able to give Koki some problem's early on with a quick start but by the midway point he'll be out worked, out hit and out classed as Koki takes over and dominates the mid and later rounds, possibly even dropping the out classed Son late in the bout.
Prediction-Koki UD12
Kameda, a talented, though somewhat over-rated fighter with a very high view of himself is solid. He's not amazing but he's skilled, has nice handspeed, good movement, decent stamina and whilst he lacks power he does tend to to be able to land crisp and clean shots. This set of traits has seen Kameda claiming world titles at Light Flyweight, Flyweight and Bantamweight to become the first, and so far only, 3-weight world champion from Japan.
Unfortunately for Koki his power will limit his potential to claim a world title at a weight higher though he certainly has the potential to move down to Super Flyweight in the future.
Despite Koki's lack of power at 118lbs he should have more than enough to defeat the light hitting Korean challenger who at best is limited.
Dubbed the "Hurricane" Son is a hard working fighter though unfortunately lacks the power to get the job done anywhere near this level.
Son may be able to give Koki some problem's early on with a quick start but by the midway point he'll be out worked, out hit and out classed as Koki takes over and dominates the mid and later rounds, possibly even dropping the out classed Son late in the bout.
Prediction-Koki UD12
Tuesday, 12 November 2013
Srisaket Sor Rungvisai v Hirofumi Mukai
The first world title fight this week is in Thailand as WBC Super
Flyweight champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (22-3-1, 20) makes the first
defense of a title he won in stunning fashion earlier this year.
Srisaket, who was all but an unknown in April of this year burst on to the scene in a big way back in May when he didn't just beat Yota Sato but totally destroyed him and sending him in to retirement courtesy of a destructive 8th round TKO. Unlike many champions however Srisaket hasn't just sat waiting for a challenger but has instead piled up a trio of none title victories keeping the ring rust off and his bank balance looking moderately healthy in the process.
For his first defense Srisaket will be facing Japanese southpaw Hirofumi Mukai (9-2-1, 1), a man who promised much when he first turned professional back in 2009 though has failed to deliver with losses to Rocky Fuentes and Mark Anthony Geraldo two solid but unspectacular fighters.
Mukai is a pure boxer. He's talented for sure and holds a very notable victory over Sonny Boy Jaro though in all honesty that's his most notable victory and came before his loss to Fuentes and technical draw with Pongsaklek Wonjongkam.
Unfortunately since beating Jaro it's been hard to be impressed by what Mukai has actually achieved. He has gone 4-2-1 since then with his most notable victory following Jaro being a decision over Saenmuangloei Kokietgym.
If we call Mukai a boxer then we need to call Srisaket a bulldozer. The guy is as strong as an ox and when he gets in the ring he is nothing short of destructive with every punch thrown with bad intentions. Against a fighter like Mukai, who was stopped just 2 fights ago, this power is simply going to be too much to handle.
Mukai may last longer here than he did with Geraldo but it's hard to view this as anything more than an easy and quick first defense for a champion who may be very, very hard to dethrone, as long as he can make the weight comfortably enough.
Prediction-Srisaket TKO 4
Srisaket, who was all but an unknown in April of this year burst on to the scene in a big way back in May when he didn't just beat Yota Sato but totally destroyed him and sending him in to retirement courtesy of a destructive 8th round TKO. Unlike many champions however Srisaket hasn't just sat waiting for a challenger but has instead piled up a trio of none title victories keeping the ring rust off and his bank balance looking moderately healthy in the process.
For his first defense Srisaket will be facing Japanese southpaw Hirofumi Mukai (9-2-1, 1), a man who promised much when he first turned professional back in 2009 though has failed to deliver with losses to Rocky Fuentes and Mark Anthony Geraldo two solid but unspectacular fighters.
Mukai is a pure boxer. He's talented for sure and holds a very notable victory over Sonny Boy Jaro though in all honesty that's his most notable victory and came before his loss to Fuentes and technical draw with Pongsaklek Wonjongkam.
Unfortunately since beating Jaro it's been hard to be impressed by what Mukai has actually achieved. He has gone 4-2-1 since then with his most notable victory following Jaro being a decision over Saenmuangloei Kokietgym.
If we call Mukai a boxer then we need to call Srisaket a bulldozer. The guy is as strong as an ox and when he gets in the ring he is nothing short of destructive with every punch thrown with bad intentions. Against a fighter like Mukai, who was stopped just 2 fights ago, this power is simply going to be too much to handle.
Mukai may last longer here than he did with Geraldo but it's hard to view this as anything more than an easy and quick first defense for a champion who may be very, very hard to dethrone, as long as he can make the weight comfortably enough.
Prediction-Srisaket TKO 4
Saturday, 9 November 2013
Shinsuke Yamanaka v Alberto Guevara
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
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
Tuesday, 10 September 2013
Ryo Miyazaki v Jesus Silvestre
Although Ryo Miyazaki (19-0-3, 11) might be one of Japan's least known world champions the WBA Minimumweight champion is a genuinely talented, and improving fighter who is slowly proving to be a genuinely world level fighter. Sure few consider him to be one of the best Minimumweight's on the planet, or even the best 105lb fighter in Japan but he's a fighter who isn't too far off that mark.
This coming Wednesday Miyazaki attempts to prove that he's continually improving as he takes on the highly regarded Mexican Jesus Silvestre (27-3, 20) a fighter who has held the WBA "interim" title prior to getting this fight.
Miyazaki, at his best is a handful. He's not a massive puncher, despite his perfectly time KO of Carlos Velarde last time out, he's not the hardest working and he's not the fastest but over all he's a fighter with enough facets to his game to hold his own with pretty much anyone. He's shown the ability to go to war with someone as he did with Pornsawan Porpramook at the end of last year, he's shown the ability to box and he's also shown the frustrating ability to make life difficulty for himself.
Unfortunately for Miyazaki the longer he shows the ability to turn fights into difficult battles the longer he will be remembered as "the stable mate of Kazuto Ioka" rather managing to create his own legacy.
This weeks fight with Silvestre certainly looks like a bout that Miyazaki won't need to make hard for himself because Silvestre can do that for him.
The young Mexican is a tough and improving fighter who has experienced the harsh conditions of fighting in Asia by fighting in both Thailand and the Philippines. Although he lost both of those bouts he did show the tenacity to one day be a world champion and this bout will be his big chance to live up to that expectation.
Whilst Silvestre himself isn't the most skilled boxer or the hardest hitting he does have a solid punch on him, has a very exciting pressure style and looks like a man who would walk through fire to get to his man. This has worked in many of fights, including bouts with Takuya Mitamura, Yader Escobar and Carlos Velarde though against Donnie Nietes his work rate did eventually cost him with his corner getting him TKO'd late in round 10.
With the style of Silvestre we are guaranteed a very fun fight here, whether he can break down Miyazaki, or whether Miyazaki can manage to land another hayemaker is up for question. If Miyazaki can't find the howitzer that he'll need to discourage Silvestre than he's in for a long, hard night.
With the show being an Ioka Gym card you've got to favour Miyazaki if it goes to a decision, however there would be little shock if the judges render cards that are questionable with Silvestre getting a somewhat harsh decision against him.
One thing is certain here, despite the winner, and that is that I'm really looking forward to this. Potentially this could honestly be a FOTY.
Prediction-Miyazaki SD12 (Controversially)
This coming Wednesday Miyazaki attempts to prove that he's continually improving as he takes on the highly regarded Mexican Jesus Silvestre (27-3, 20) a fighter who has held the WBA "interim" title prior to getting this fight.
Miyazaki, at his best is a handful. He's not a massive puncher, despite his perfectly time KO of Carlos Velarde last time out, he's not the hardest working and he's not the fastest but over all he's a fighter with enough facets to his game to hold his own with pretty much anyone. He's shown the ability to go to war with someone as he did with Pornsawan Porpramook at the end of last year, he's shown the ability to box and he's also shown the frustrating ability to make life difficulty for himself.
Unfortunately for Miyazaki the longer he shows the ability to turn fights into difficult battles the longer he will be remembered as "the stable mate of Kazuto Ioka" rather managing to create his own legacy.
This weeks fight with Silvestre certainly looks like a bout that Miyazaki won't need to make hard for himself because Silvestre can do that for him.
The young Mexican is a tough and improving fighter who has experienced the harsh conditions of fighting in Asia by fighting in both Thailand and the Philippines. Although he lost both of those bouts he did show the tenacity to one day be a world champion and this bout will be his big chance to live up to that expectation.
Whilst Silvestre himself isn't the most skilled boxer or the hardest hitting he does have a solid punch on him, has a very exciting pressure style and looks like a man who would walk through fire to get to his man. This has worked in many of fights, including bouts with Takuya Mitamura, Yader Escobar and Carlos Velarde though against Donnie Nietes his work rate did eventually cost him with his corner getting him TKO'd late in round 10.
With the style of Silvestre we are guaranteed a very fun fight here, whether he can break down Miyazaki, or whether Miyazaki can manage to land another hayemaker is up for question. If Miyazaki can't find the howitzer that he'll need to discourage Silvestre than he's in for a long, hard night.
With the show being an Ioka Gym card you've got to favour Miyazaki if it goes to a decision, however there would be little shock if the judges render cards that are questionable with Silvestre getting a somewhat harsh decision against him.
One thing is certain here, despite the winner, and that is that I'm really looking forward to this. Potentially this could honestly be a FOTY.
Prediction-Miyazaki SD12 (Controversially)
Kazuto Ioka v Kwanthai Sithmorseng
One of boxing's top young fighters right now, with out a doubt, is unbeaten Japanese fighter Kazuto Ioka (12-0, 8), a former WBA/WBC Minimumweight champion who is current the WBA Light Flyweight champion.
Amazingly in just 12 fights Ioka has won 3 world titles and a Japanese national title. His rise to the top is almost unrivaled in today's over-protective boxing world with only former amateur standouts Beibut Shumenov and Guillermo Rigondeaux even getting close to rivaling what Ioka has done in recent years.
Ioka's rise to the top really started back in 2011 when he claimed the WBC Minimumweight title defeating Thailand's Oleydong Sithsamerchai in the 5th round of their encounter. This coming Wednesday Ioka looks to continue his his excellent form as he faces another top Thai in the form of Kwanthai Sithmorseng (43-1-1, 22) a former WBA Minimumweight champion himself.
Going in to this fight Ioka is rightfully a huge favourite. Although he has just more than a quarter of the fights that Sithmorseng has Ioka has the innate skills and ability that scream "super talent", the sort of ability that really stands out.
The key traits for Ioka aren't his aggression and toughness, as they are for many Japanese fighters, instead they are his clever and intelligent boxing, most notably his vicious straight right to the body, a shot he has all but trade marked with several stoppages. He can hold his own in a war, as he did with Akira Yaegashi, though seems much better when he's allowed to box at range where his skills with straight shots really standout.
Worryingly for Sithmorseng his sole reversal has come courtesy of a right hand to the mid-section delivered from Indonesian Muhammad Rachman, arguably the most well known of his opponents.
Although Sithmorseng has 45 fights on his ledger he has only fought twice in world title bouts with only Rachman having been a proven world level fighter, and even he was well beyond his prime. Saying that however you don't win 43 of 45 fights unless you do have some talent and Sithmorseng certainly does have some skills to him.
Unfortunately for Sithmorseng his key attribute seems to be his hand speed and his combinations up close. Against Ioka however this speed will be neautralised and his lack of power won't worry Ioka who will likely manage to create space easier than Sithmorseng would like. With the space created the intelligent body work will begin and, ultimately, end the fight.
Prediction-Ioka TKO7
Amazingly in just 12 fights Ioka has won 3 world titles and a Japanese national title. His rise to the top is almost unrivaled in today's over-protective boxing world with only former amateur standouts Beibut Shumenov and Guillermo Rigondeaux even getting close to rivaling what Ioka has done in recent years.
Ioka's rise to the top really started back in 2011 when he claimed the WBC Minimumweight title defeating Thailand's Oleydong Sithsamerchai in the 5th round of their encounter. This coming Wednesday Ioka looks to continue his his excellent form as he faces another top Thai in the form of Kwanthai Sithmorseng (43-1-1, 22) a former WBA Minimumweight champion himself.
Going in to this fight Ioka is rightfully a huge favourite. Although he has just more than a quarter of the fights that Sithmorseng has Ioka has the innate skills and ability that scream "super talent", the sort of ability that really stands out.
The key traits for Ioka aren't his aggression and toughness, as they are for many Japanese fighters, instead they are his clever and intelligent boxing, most notably his vicious straight right to the body, a shot he has all but trade marked with several stoppages. He can hold his own in a war, as he did with Akira Yaegashi, though seems much better when he's allowed to box at range where his skills with straight shots really standout.
Worryingly for Sithmorseng his sole reversal has come courtesy of a right hand to the mid-section delivered from Indonesian Muhammad Rachman, arguably the most well known of his opponents.
Although Sithmorseng has 45 fights on his ledger he has only fought twice in world title bouts with only Rachman having been a proven world level fighter, and even he was well beyond his prime. Saying that however you don't win 43 of 45 fights unless you do have some talent and Sithmorseng certainly does have some skills to him.
Unfortunately for Sithmorseng his key attribute seems to be his hand speed and his combinations up close. Against Ioka however this speed will be neautralised and his lack of power won't worry Ioka who will likely manage to create space easier than Sithmorseng would like. With the space created the intelligent body work will begin and, ultimately, end the fight.
Prediction-Ioka TKO7
Monday, 2 September 2013
Nobuo Nashiro v Denkaosan Kaovichit
It's not often a Japanese fighter has much success in Thailand, in fact the only victory in a world title fight by a Japanese born fighter in Thailand was Koki Eto's recent victory over Kompayak Porpramook earlier this year.
Despite the awful record of Japanese fighters in Thailand I've got a feeling we may see history repeat it's self this weekend as former 2-time world champion Nobuo Nashiro (19-5-1, 13) travels to Nakhon Ratchasima to face Thai veteran Denkaosan Kaovichit (61-3-1, 26), himself a former world champion, in a battle for the WBA interim Super Flyweight title.
Although many of those outside of the East haven't seen, or even heard of these two men both have been genuine world champions. Unfortunately both are now faded fighters and neither man has looked to be at their best in several years.
With both men looking ton be notably on the slide it's fair to say that I'm siding with the fighter who has shown more in recent fights, that is Nashiro.
The 31 year old from Japan claimed his first world title back in 2006 when he defeated Martin Castillo in his 8th bout for the WBA Flyweight title. Although he lost the title just a few fights later being beaten by Alexander Munoz he would later regain the belt beating domestic rival Kohei Kono for the belt.
Unfortunately after winning the title for the second time Nashiro's form has been less than stellar going 7-4-1 and 1-4-1 in world title bouts. Despite this he did look very good in his most recent loss dropping a very close decision to Tepparith Kokietgym in a fight that seemed to suggest there was more left in the sport for Nashiro, who had been talking about retirement prior to the fight.
At his best Nashiro was a limited fighter but yet a nightmare. Teak tough, hard working with more than respectable power and solid work rate. Had it not been for his somewhat slow hands and relatively stationary feet he'd have been a genuinely nasty guy to fight.
Nashiro's opponent, Kaovichit has an excellent record on paper with an incredible winning % however like many Thai's he has stacked his record with victories over limited foes collecting paydays, in fact he's already fought 3 times this year.
At his best Kaovichit was himself a bit of a nightmare to fight. He started his career with 20 straight victories before fighting Eric Morel and losing via an 11th round TKO in what was Kaovichit's first foray into world level.
Since the loss to Morel, Kaovichit would go on to claim the WBA Flyweight title defeating Takefumi Sakata and defend it twice beating both Hiroyuki Hisataka and Daiki Kameda before losing a rematch to Kameda. Unfortunately the Kameda fights appear to be the beginning of the end for Kaovichit at world level and he's only fought once more in "world" level action suffering an opening round blast out defeat at the hands of Luis Concepcion in 2010.
Although the loss to Concepcion was less than 3 years ago Kaovichit has managed to bank himself 11 subsequent victories, albeit at a much, much lower level.
Going on their last losses it's fair to say that Nashiro showed he could still compete at the world level whilst Kaovichit's punch resistance was certainly not what it once was. With this in mind I've got to favour Nashiro who I expect will have more than enough to defeat the 37 year old Kaovichit by stoppage late in the bout.
Prediction-Nashiro TKO10
Despite the awful record of Japanese fighters in Thailand I've got a feeling we may see history repeat it's self this weekend as former 2-time world champion Nobuo Nashiro (19-5-1, 13) travels to Nakhon Ratchasima to face Thai veteran Denkaosan Kaovichit (61-3-1, 26), himself a former world champion, in a battle for the WBA interim Super Flyweight title.
Although many of those outside of the East haven't seen, or even heard of these two men both have been genuine world champions. Unfortunately both are now faded fighters and neither man has looked to be at their best in several years.
With both men looking ton be notably on the slide it's fair to say that I'm siding with the fighter who has shown more in recent fights, that is Nashiro.
The 31 year old from Japan claimed his first world title back in 2006 when he defeated Martin Castillo in his 8th bout for the WBA Flyweight title. Although he lost the title just a few fights later being beaten by Alexander Munoz he would later regain the belt beating domestic rival Kohei Kono for the belt.
Unfortunately after winning the title for the second time Nashiro's form has been less than stellar going 7-4-1 and 1-4-1 in world title bouts. Despite this he did look very good in his most recent loss dropping a very close decision to Tepparith Kokietgym in a fight that seemed to suggest there was more left in the sport for Nashiro, who had been talking about retirement prior to the fight.
At his best Nashiro was a limited fighter but yet a nightmare. Teak tough, hard working with more than respectable power and solid work rate. Had it not been for his somewhat slow hands and relatively stationary feet he'd have been a genuinely nasty guy to fight.
Nashiro's opponent, Kaovichit has an excellent record on paper with an incredible winning % however like many Thai's he has stacked his record with victories over limited foes collecting paydays, in fact he's already fought 3 times this year.
At his best Kaovichit was himself a bit of a nightmare to fight. He started his career with 20 straight victories before fighting Eric Morel and losing via an 11th round TKO in what was Kaovichit's first foray into world level.
Since the loss to Morel, Kaovichit would go on to claim the WBA Flyweight title defeating Takefumi Sakata and defend it twice beating both Hiroyuki Hisataka and Daiki Kameda before losing a rematch to Kameda. Unfortunately the Kameda fights appear to be the beginning of the end for Kaovichit at world level and he's only fought once more in "world" level action suffering an opening round blast out defeat at the hands of Luis Concepcion in 2010.
Although the loss to Concepcion was less than 3 years ago Kaovichit has managed to bank himself 11 subsequent victories, albeit at a much, much lower level.
Going on their last losses it's fair to say that Nashiro showed he could still compete at the world level whilst Kaovichit's punch resistance was certainly not what it once was. With this in mind I've got to favour Nashiro who I expect will have more than enough to defeat the 37 year old Kaovichit by stoppage late in the bout.
Prediction-Nashiro TKO10
Friday, 30 August 2013
Daiki Kameda v Rodrigo Guerrero
It's rare for a boxing family to be looking at 3 simultaneous champions but this week that's a real possibility for the Japanese Kameda family as middle child Daiki Kameda (28-3, 18) attempts to claim the vacant IBF Super Flyweight title taking on former champion Rodrigo Guerrero (19-4-1, 12).
Kameda, you younger brother of Koki-the current WBA Bantamweight champion, and older broher of Tomoki-the current WBO Bantamweight champion, has seen both of his brother's having title success in recent weeks and will now be looking to join them as he attempts to become just the 3rd IBF champion in Japanese boxing history.
Although Daiki is a former WBA Flyweight champion he is widely viewed as the most limited of the 3 fighting brothers. He lacks the counter punching of both of his brothers and the boxing brain and whilst still a decent fighter in his own right he's certainly helped by having the name "Kameda".
In terms of his style the Japanese fighter fighter is a limited, he tends to work hard yet always manages to make fights difficult for himself at the world level. Whilst he holds wins over the likes of Denkaosan Kaovichit, Takefumi Sakata and Silvio Olteanu it's difficult to say that he actually proved to be their superior in the fights and was arguably lucky in all 3.
Whilst Daiki may go in to the fight as the favourite due to home field advantage his Mexican opponent Guerrero will not feel as if it's anything he's not experienced before.
Despite being a Mexican based in Mexico city many of Guerrero's best performances have come outside of his homeland. The first of those was a 12 round decision loss to Vic Darchinyan, a battle in which Guerrero impressed despite being widely out pointed, soon after he was controversially beaten in the US by Raul Martinez and most recently he traveled to Canada and stopped Sebastien Gauthier.
Although not the most skilled fighter on the planet Guerrero is a nightmare for anyone with his toughness, work-rate and in your face style. Unless he's fighting a genuinely top tier fighter he will give a hard fight to anyone as he attempts to out to out tough and out work opponents, as he did in eye catching fashion to Gauthier late last year.
On a neutral venue I'd have had to take Guerrero taking a decision over Kameda quite comfortably based on his aggressive work rate, never say die attitude and general skills. In Japan however Kameda will certainly have things stacked in his favour with the crowd on his side and this may be the difference maker come fight time with the judges. Although the "3 wise men" will try to be fair sometimes it's difficult, especially when there is a few thousand screaming fans going crazy when ever their guy throws a punch, this is a real possibility here and if it occurs then Kameda will do enough to get the nod despite the views of those watching around the world on TBS.
Prediction-Kameda SD12 (controversially)
Kameda, you younger brother of Koki-the current WBA Bantamweight champion, and older broher of Tomoki-the current WBO Bantamweight champion, has seen both of his brother's having title success in recent weeks and will now be looking to join them as he attempts to become just the 3rd IBF champion in Japanese boxing history.
Although Daiki is a former WBA Flyweight champion he is widely viewed as the most limited of the 3 fighting brothers. He lacks the counter punching of both of his brothers and the boxing brain and whilst still a decent fighter in his own right he's certainly helped by having the name "Kameda".
In terms of his style the Japanese fighter fighter is a limited, he tends to work hard yet always manages to make fights difficult for himself at the world level. Whilst he holds wins over the likes of Denkaosan Kaovichit, Takefumi Sakata and Silvio Olteanu it's difficult to say that he actually proved to be their superior in the fights and was arguably lucky in all 3.
Whilst Daiki may go in to the fight as the favourite due to home field advantage his Mexican opponent Guerrero will not feel as if it's anything he's not experienced before.
Despite being a Mexican based in Mexico city many of Guerrero's best performances have come outside of his homeland. The first of those was a 12 round decision loss to Vic Darchinyan, a battle in which Guerrero impressed despite being widely out pointed, soon after he was controversially beaten in the US by Raul Martinez and most recently he traveled to Canada and stopped Sebastien Gauthier.
Although not the most skilled fighter on the planet Guerrero is a nightmare for anyone with his toughness, work-rate and in your face style. Unless he's fighting a genuinely top tier fighter he will give a hard fight to anyone as he attempts to out to out tough and out work opponents, as he did in eye catching fashion to Gauthier late last year.
On a neutral venue I'd have had to take Guerrero taking a decision over Kameda quite comfortably based on his aggressive work rate, never say die attitude and general skills. In Japan however Kameda will certainly have things stacked in his favour with the crowd on his side and this may be the difference maker come fight time with the judges. Although the "3 wise men" will try to be fair sometimes it's difficult, especially when there is a few thousand screaming fans going crazy when ever their guy throws a punch, this is a real possibility here and if it occurs then Kameda will do enough to get the nod despite the views of those watching around the world on TBS.
Prediction-Kameda SD12 (controversially)
Adrian Hernandez v Atsushi Kakutani
The only world title fight this weekend is a fight that could very easily go under the radar of the general boxing public as WBC Light Flyweight champion Adrian Hernandez (27-2-1, 16) faces little known Japanese challenger Atsushi Kakutani (13-3-1, 6) in what appears to be little more than a mismatch in favour of the Mexican champion.
Aged 28 the Japanese challenger is a fighter who appears to have been purposefully selected by the champion as a relatively easy defense. Whilst it's fair to say that Hernandez is staying active with this being his third defense of the year and his fourth fight in just 12 months it's seems like a distant memory since he was last in with a notable opponent in Kompayak Porpramook.
In the ring Hernandez is a talented boxer puncher who really does seem able to out box or out fight opponents depending on his mood. Although he's proven to be capable at the world level with victories over Porpramool, Gilberto Keb Baas and Rodel Mayol he has left many with question marks due to his struggles against some lesser fighters, including Yader Cardoza ina fight he clearly won but yet still seemed to struggle in.
I think, though I may be wrong, that the reason Hernandez has looked so sluggish in some fights, not all fights but some, is his sheer size. He stands around 5'8" which is huge for a light Flyweight and whilst he has made his name at 108lbs it seems likely that he'd be a very good sized fighter at 115lbs or even 118lbs, two weights where I actually think he'll be better suited.
At his best Hernandez is a sound fighter with a stinging jab that he works well off and a solid work rate. At his worst he's a fighter who gives up his size and gets dragged into the wrong type of fight, thankfully however he's tended to avoid those most of the time.
Kakutani himself has never proven to be even close to world class. In his most notable bouts he has been beaten by both Warlito Parrenas (LTKO1) and Teiru Kinoshita (LSD10) and his most notable victory has come against domestic rival Katsuya Matsuura. Not the the record of a championship contender that's for sure.
Not only does Kakutani lack any sort of pedigree but he also has a serious issue in terms of power. With Hernandez being a durable fighter, despite his two stoppage losses, a fighter will need to have power to keep him from doing as he pleases. Unfortunately Kakutani's lack of power is also combined with a relative lack of durability on his side with 2 of his 3 losses coming by stoppage and both coming very early in the bout.
In all honesty this would seem like a bout that Hernandez has in the bag. He can box Kakutani's socks off for 12 rounds or just go in and steam roll him, depending on the mood he's in and the impression he's looking to leave. Personally I'd assume it's going to be a quick job by Hernandez.
Prediction-Hernandez TKO2
Aged 28 the Japanese challenger is a fighter who appears to have been purposefully selected by the champion as a relatively easy defense. Whilst it's fair to say that Hernandez is staying active with this being his third defense of the year and his fourth fight in just 12 months it's seems like a distant memory since he was last in with a notable opponent in Kompayak Porpramook.
In the ring Hernandez is a talented boxer puncher who really does seem able to out box or out fight opponents depending on his mood. Although he's proven to be capable at the world level with victories over Porpramool, Gilberto Keb Baas and Rodel Mayol he has left many with question marks due to his struggles against some lesser fighters, including Yader Cardoza ina fight he clearly won but yet still seemed to struggle in.
I think, though I may be wrong, that the reason Hernandez has looked so sluggish in some fights, not all fights but some, is his sheer size. He stands around 5'8" which is huge for a light Flyweight and whilst he has made his name at 108lbs it seems likely that he'd be a very good sized fighter at 115lbs or even 118lbs, two weights where I actually think he'll be better suited.
At his best Hernandez is a sound fighter with a stinging jab that he works well off and a solid work rate. At his worst he's a fighter who gives up his size and gets dragged into the wrong type of fight, thankfully however he's tended to avoid those most of the time.
Kakutani himself has never proven to be even close to world class. In his most notable bouts he has been beaten by both Warlito Parrenas (LTKO1) and Teiru Kinoshita (LSD10) and his most notable victory has come against domestic rival Katsuya Matsuura. Not the the record of a championship contender that's for sure.
Not only does Kakutani lack any sort of pedigree but he also has a serious issue in terms of power. With Hernandez being a durable fighter, despite his two stoppage losses, a fighter will need to have power to keep him from doing as he pleases. Unfortunately Kakutani's lack of power is also combined with a relative lack of durability on his side with 2 of his 3 losses coming by stoppage and both coming very early in the bout.
In all honesty this would seem like a bout that Hernandez has in the bag. He can box Kakutani's socks off for 12 rounds or just go in and steam roll him, depending on the mood he's in and the impression he's looking to leave. Personally I'd assume it's going to be a quick job by Hernandez.
Prediction-Hernandez TKO2
Saturday, 24 August 2013
Omar Andres Narvaez v Hiroyuki Hisataka
It's often said that fighters in the smaller divisions age significantly quicker than their heavier counterparts. If that's true Argentinian veteran Omar Andres Narvaez (39-1-2, 20) must be boxing's version of a octogenarian holding the WBO Super Flyweight title despite being 38.
Narvaez, who was the first of the 2000 Olympians to claim a world title, is a fighter who widely splits the opinion of the boxing world depending on whether or not you've actually followed him or not. If you've not followed him you've probably only seen his bout with Nonito Donaire, a bout that he was out-gunned in from the off and a fight that he stood no chance in. Rather than giving Donaire a chance to behead him Narvaez covered up and actually showed how poor Donaire was when he was forced to make the action, something we saw again when Donaire fought Guillermo Rigondeaux.
If you've instead followed Narvaez's career you'll be fully aware of what a talented fighter he is. He's quick, skilled, slippery and a nightmare to fight. He's not strong or hard hitting but he's slippery, intelligent and knows how to get in and out whilst landing his own flurry of shots. From the outside he can be neutralised but he's got unbelievable quickness for such an "old man" that he tends to find his way inside whenever he wants.
Although it's fair to say that Narvaez is slipping as a fighter and I certainly wouldn't fancy his chances against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, he's still a more than capable fighter. Despite still be good we did see him showing cracks in his armour last time out as Mexican Felipe Orucuta almost dethroned him and he looks like he's certainly becoming more beatable fight after fight.
Narvaez looks for the 8th defense of his WBO Super Flyweight title this coming weekend when he takes on Japanese fighter Hiroyuki Hisataka (22-10-1, 10) a fighter who's record makes him look like an easy mark for Narvaez.
Surprisingly Hisataka has one of those misleading records. His record really looks much worse than it should simply because he's been matched so very hard and it's left his record looking like a who's who which includes Tomonobu Shimizu, Panomroonglek Kaiyanghadaogym, Takefumi Sakata, Denkaosan Kaovichit, Hugo Fidel Cazares and Oleydong Sithsamerchai.
At 28 years old Hisataka is notably younger than the champion and is probably just coming into his boxing prime. He's no longer a child but he's a fully grown man who is tough, hard working and has given good fighters, Kaovichit for example, a very good run for their money.
Although Hisataka isn't near the skill level of Narvaez, very few are, the intangibles do oddly favour Hisataka to really give Narvaez a very tough night. I'm not saying Hisataka will win but he will certainly give a very good account of himself and maybe help open doors to another world title fight.
This it a bout that the under-dog has been written off before he's stepped foot in the ring though is a surprisingly live under-dog.
Prediction-UD12 Narvaez
Narvaez, who was the first of the 2000 Olympians to claim a world title, is a fighter who widely splits the opinion of the boxing world depending on whether or not you've actually followed him or not. If you've not followed him you've probably only seen his bout with Nonito Donaire, a bout that he was out-gunned in from the off and a fight that he stood no chance in. Rather than giving Donaire a chance to behead him Narvaez covered up and actually showed how poor Donaire was when he was forced to make the action, something we saw again when Donaire fought Guillermo Rigondeaux.
If you've instead followed Narvaez's career you'll be fully aware of what a talented fighter he is. He's quick, skilled, slippery and a nightmare to fight. He's not strong or hard hitting but he's slippery, intelligent and knows how to get in and out whilst landing his own flurry of shots. From the outside he can be neutralised but he's got unbelievable quickness for such an "old man" that he tends to find his way inside whenever he wants.
Although it's fair to say that Narvaez is slipping as a fighter and I certainly wouldn't fancy his chances against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, he's still a more than capable fighter. Despite still be good we did see him showing cracks in his armour last time out as Mexican Felipe Orucuta almost dethroned him and he looks like he's certainly becoming more beatable fight after fight.
Narvaez looks for the 8th defense of his WBO Super Flyweight title this coming weekend when he takes on Japanese fighter Hiroyuki Hisataka (22-10-1, 10) a fighter who's record makes him look like an easy mark for Narvaez.
Surprisingly Hisataka has one of those misleading records. His record really looks much worse than it should simply because he's been matched so very hard and it's left his record looking like a who's who which includes Tomonobu Shimizu, Panomroonglek Kaiyanghadaogym, Takefumi Sakata, Denkaosan Kaovichit, Hugo Fidel Cazares and Oleydong Sithsamerchai.
At 28 years old Hisataka is notably younger than the champion and is probably just coming into his boxing prime. He's no longer a child but he's a fully grown man who is tough, hard working and has given good fighters, Kaovichit for example, a very good run for their money.
Although Hisataka isn't near the skill level of Narvaez, very few are, the intangibles do oddly favour Hisataka to really give Narvaez a very tough night. I'm not saying Hisataka will win but he will certainly give a very good account of himself and maybe help open doors to another world title fight.
This it a bout that the under-dog has been written off before he's stepped foot in the ring though is a surprisingly live under-dog.
Prediction-UD12 Narvaez
Wednesday, 14 August 2013
Takashi Miura v Sergio Thompson
Just a few years ago the Super Featherweight division looked genuinely dead. Other than a bout between Takashi Uchiyama and Adrien Broner nothing there really interested me. Right now however the division appears to be heating up with a rumour of a Gamboa/Uchiyama in the pipeline and a very attractive looking bout in Mexico this coming weekend.
This weekend's bout sees WBC champion Takashi Miura (25-2-2, 19), an extremely hard hitting and tough Japanese fighter traveling to Mexico to take on the fun to watch though criminally under-rated Sergio Thompson (27-2, 15), a man best known for stopping Jorge Linares.
Miura won the title earlier this year stopping Thompson's countryman Gamaliel Diaz in destructive fashion. Whilst Diaz was little more than a journeyman champion the performance, or rather the result, was impressive with Miura really showing his power off.
Despite the stoppage of Diaz being the highlight of Miura's career so far his power was already well known following his all-Japanese bout with Uchiyama in which Miura managed to drop Uchiyama in eye catching fashion. Unfortunately for Miura he was later stopped by Uchiyama in what was his first world title fight.
Although not the busiest fighter in the ring Miura is, as mentioned, a hard hitter with a real toughness to him. He's a fighter who can be outboxed but always has the potential to end a fight with his destructive left hand which is something every fighter needs to be wary of.
Thompson, like Miura, is a fighter who is tough and hits hard. He's a fighter who despite having little, other than Linares victory on his record has the talent to defeat almost anyone at 130lbs and possibly even 135lbs, where he is probably a little less comfortable but still a very destructive force.
As Thompson's record indicates he rarely gets rounds under his belt, in fact his 29 fight career has only seen him in 118 rounds, that's not much more than 4 rounds a contest. This has seen him going 10 rounds once and 12 rounds once, incidentally losing both of those contests by decision. This of course leaves me wondering just what his stamina's like, especially in bouts. Sure he's as destructive as they come early but can he cope with a fighter who takes his power and pressure?
Although Thompson is the challenger what he going for him is home field advantage here. Japanese boxers are notoriously bad on the road and if Miura can't get into a groove from the off he's going to find it very hard to ever get going against Thompson. That's not to say he can't win but if he lets Thompson set the pace he will have to look for a single shot to turn the fight around and there is no saying that chance will come.
Whilst I do give Miura a chance, it is only a 20-30% chance and I really do favour Thompson, probably by mid round stoppage in what could well be a FOTY style war for as long as it lasts.
Prediction-Thompson TKO6
This weekend's bout sees WBC champion Takashi Miura (25-2-2, 19), an extremely hard hitting and tough Japanese fighter traveling to Mexico to take on the fun to watch though criminally under-rated Sergio Thompson (27-2, 15), a man best known for stopping Jorge Linares.
Miura won the title earlier this year stopping Thompson's countryman Gamaliel Diaz in destructive fashion. Whilst Diaz was little more than a journeyman champion the performance, or rather the result, was impressive with Miura really showing his power off.
Despite the stoppage of Diaz being the highlight of Miura's career so far his power was already well known following his all-Japanese bout with Uchiyama in which Miura managed to drop Uchiyama in eye catching fashion. Unfortunately for Miura he was later stopped by Uchiyama in what was his first world title fight.
Although not the busiest fighter in the ring Miura is, as mentioned, a hard hitter with a real toughness to him. He's a fighter who can be outboxed but always has the potential to end a fight with his destructive left hand which is something every fighter needs to be wary of.
Thompson, like Miura, is a fighter who is tough and hits hard. He's a fighter who despite having little, other than Linares victory on his record has the talent to defeat almost anyone at 130lbs and possibly even 135lbs, where he is probably a little less comfortable but still a very destructive force.
As Thompson's record indicates he rarely gets rounds under his belt, in fact his 29 fight career has only seen him in 118 rounds, that's not much more than 4 rounds a contest. This has seen him going 10 rounds once and 12 rounds once, incidentally losing both of those contests by decision. This of course leaves me wondering just what his stamina's like, especially in bouts. Sure he's as destructive as they come early but can he cope with a fighter who takes his power and pressure?
Although Thompson is the challenger what he going for him is home field advantage here. Japanese boxers are notoriously bad on the road and if Miura can't get into a groove from the off he's going to find it very hard to ever get going against Thompson. That's not to say he can't win but if he lets Thompson set the pace he will have to look for a single shot to turn the fight around and there is no saying that chance will come.
Whilst I do give Miura a chance, it is only a 20-30% chance and I really do favour Thompson, probably by mid round stoppage in what could well be a FOTY style war for as long as it lasts.
Prediction-Thompson TKO6
Sunday, 11 August 2013
Shinsuke Yamanaka v Jose Nieves
The conversation as to who the best Bantamweight on the planet is is a conversation that has two answers. One may say the technically excellent and defensively amazing Anselmo Moreno of Panama, the other answer however is the hard hitting Japanese fighter Shinsuke Yamanaka (18-0-2, 13) who has been thoroughly impressive over the past few years.
Yamanaka jumped into the boxing consciousness back in 2011. First by defeating domestic rival Ryosuke Iwasa in a thrilling contest, then stopping Christian Esquivel in a hard fought contest for the WBC world title.
The following year Yamanaka added notable victories over Vic Darchninyan and a KO of the year contender over Tomas Rojas. Both of those men were former world champions and victories over both men helped to inflate the reputation of Yamanaka as a genuine top tier champion.
Earlier this year Yamanaka added his 3rd world title defense stopping former Flyweight champion Malcolm Tunacao in a hard fought bout that saw Tunacao being dropped several times.
In the ring Yamanaka combines a southpaw stance with solid boxing fundamentals. He can box off the jab if he so desires or he can wage war. He can use his jab to create space and control the tempo of the bout, or he can use his power, especially from his left hand, to render an opponent unconscious.
There are very few flaws that Yamanaka has. He's not unbeatable by any stretch of the imagination but he'll always be difficult to beat because of everything he has, the power, the skills, the toughness, the fact he has several game plans and the fact that when the going gets tough he refuses to quit, as seen against Tunacao.
Yamanaka's challenger this time around is Puerto Rican Jose Nieves (22-2-3, 11), a man who is highly ranked by the WBC and WBO, despite the fact many won't really have seen too much of him.
Nieves is a 32 year old who has been a pro for more than 12 years. He started his career excellently with an 18 fight unbeaten run, 16-0-2, including victories over Angel Antonio Priolo and Tomas Rojas. Since then however Nieves has suffered defeats to Victor Fonseca and Chris Avalos, arguably his 2 most notable bouts.
Whilst Nieves has ran up a string of 5 victories, including 2 over Cuauhtemoc Vargas, he's not looked like a world champion in the making. In fact if anything he's looked fortunate and limited. He was very lucky to beat Vargas, both times and was dropped by Danny Flores in his most recent contest.
The knockdown by Nieves is really the biggest issue with him. It's not the first time he's been stopped and it won't be the last. So far he has been down in the bouts with Rojas, Fonseca, Avalos and Flores. None of those are feather-fisted but none hit like Yamanaka. If they can drop Nieves then Yamanaka can, and will.
For the first time in his career Nieves is fighting in the East and and for the first time he's facing a genuinely top fighter who can really bang. Those facts don't bode well for a man with a suspect chin and it's very hard to imagine Nieves seeing out more than 8 rounds with Yamanaka, in fact it's hard to see Nieves standing up to more than just a handful of straights from the Japanese fighter.
Prediction-Yamanaka TKO6
Yamanaka jumped into the boxing consciousness back in 2011. First by defeating domestic rival Ryosuke Iwasa in a thrilling contest, then stopping Christian Esquivel in a hard fought contest for the WBC world title.
The following year Yamanaka added notable victories over Vic Darchninyan and a KO of the year contender over Tomas Rojas. Both of those men were former world champions and victories over both men helped to inflate the reputation of Yamanaka as a genuine top tier champion.
Earlier this year Yamanaka added his 3rd world title defense stopping former Flyweight champion Malcolm Tunacao in a hard fought bout that saw Tunacao being dropped several times.
In the ring Yamanaka combines a southpaw stance with solid boxing fundamentals. He can box off the jab if he so desires or he can wage war. He can use his jab to create space and control the tempo of the bout, or he can use his power, especially from his left hand, to render an opponent unconscious.
There are very few flaws that Yamanaka has. He's not unbeatable by any stretch of the imagination but he'll always be difficult to beat because of everything he has, the power, the skills, the toughness, the fact he has several game plans and the fact that when the going gets tough he refuses to quit, as seen against Tunacao.
Yamanaka's challenger this time around is Puerto Rican Jose Nieves (22-2-3, 11), a man who is highly ranked by the WBC and WBO, despite the fact many won't really have seen too much of him.
Nieves is a 32 year old who has been a pro for more than 12 years. He started his career excellently with an 18 fight unbeaten run, 16-0-2, including victories over Angel Antonio Priolo and Tomas Rojas. Since then however Nieves has suffered defeats to Victor Fonseca and Chris Avalos, arguably his 2 most notable bouts.
Whilst Nieves has ran up a string of 5 victories, including 2 over Cuauhtemoc Vargas, he's not looked like a world champion in the making. In fact if anything he's looked fortunate and limited. He was very lucky to beat Vargas, both times and was dropped by Danny Flores in his most recent contest.
The knockdown by Nieves is really the biggest issue with him. It's not the first time he's been stopped and it won't be the last. So far he has been down in the bouts with Rojas, Fonseca, Avalos and Flores. None of those are feather-fisted but none hit like Yamanaka. If they can drop Nieves then Yamanaka can, and will.
For the first time in his career Nieves is fighting in the East and and for the first time he's facing a genuinely top fighter who can really bang. Those facts don't bode well for a man with a suspect chin and it's very hard to imagine Nieves seeing out more than 8 rounds with Yamanaka, in fact it's hard to see Nieves standing up to more than just a handful of straights from the Japanese fighter.
Prediction-Yamanaka TKO6
Tuesday, 30 July 2013
Paulus Ambunda v Tomoki Kameda
The second world title fight this week is in the Philippines just hours after the first as Tomoki Kameda (27-0, 18) challenges WBO Bantamweight champion Paulus Ambunda (20-0, 10). A victory for Tomoki would see him becoming the 3rd of the Kameda brothers to win world titles and the second Kameda to currently hold a Bantamweight title and he would also become the first ever Japanese fighter to claim a WBO world title.
Ambunda, of Namibia, is one of boxing's most obscure champions. He's a tough as old boots fighter given the rather fitting nickname of "The Rock" who combines toughness with an insane engine and hits harder than his record would indicate. He's certainly no Mayweather or Rigondeaux in the defensive stakes but then again his style often seems to depend more on his offense than anything else.
Ambunda won the WBO title earlier this year taking a decision over Thai Pungluang Sor Singyu, who is basically the only name on Ambunda's record. The fight between Pungluang and Ambunda was certainly a war from the off and is a bout most fans missed out on, though if you're fortunate enough to be able to find it online watch it immediately!
Whilst the champion is a ball of aggressive energy he is also incredibly short stood at just 5'0". It's this lack of height that effectively forces Ambunda to be the type of fighter that he is, though against an intelligent boxer who is taller and longer he may come undone, as h almost did against the 5'6" Bongani Mahlangu.
In Tomoki Kameda we have a well schooled challenger who has been able to develop in both Japan and in Mexico. It was in Mexico that he really made his name and it was also there that he was dubbed "El Mexicanito" (The Little Mexican). The Mexican fans warmed to him quickly due to his style which was, like Ambunda's, generally aggressive with high work and a lot of body shots.
Although Tomoki is known for his work rate he's actually got a fair bit more to his game than just an action packed brawling style. He can, when needed, box, counter punch or brawl and it's with this trio of traits that many view him as potentially the best of the Kameda brothers.
For this bout in particular it's fair to say that Tomoki will need to be a boxer and not a fighter. If he he tries go to war with Ambunda the bout will be tough, much tougher than it needs to be. Instead Kameda needs to be on his toes, use his height (7" advantage) and reach to keep Ambunda at a safe distance and land his jab and straights through out. If Tomoki can do this it's hard to imagine him losing, if he gets dragged in to a war it's really anyone game.
Prediction-Tomoki UD12 (after some difficult periods)
Ambunda, of Namibia, is one of boxing's most obscure champions. He's a tough as old boots fighter given the rather fitting nickname of "The Rock" who combines toughness with an insane engine and hits harder than his record would indicate. He's certainly no Mayweather or Rigondeaux in the defensive stakes but then again his style often seems to depend more on his offense than anything else.
Ambunda won the WBO title earlier this year taking a decision over Thai Pungluang Sor Singyu, who is basically the only name on Ambunda's record. The fight between Pungluang and Ambunda was certainly a war from the off and is a bout most fans missed out on, though if you're fortunate enough to be able to find it online watch it immediately!
Whilst the champion is a ball of aggressive energy he is also incredibly short stood at just 5'0". It's this lack of height that effectively forces Ambunda to be the type of fighter that he is, though against an intelligent boxer who is taller and longer he may come undone, as h almost did against the 5'6" Bongani Mahlangu.
In Tomoki Kameda we have a well schooled challenger who has been able to develop in both Japan and in Mexico. It was in Mexico that he really made his name and it was also there that he was dubbed "El Mexicanito" (The Little Mexican). The Mexican fans warmed to him quickly due to his style which was, like Ambunda's, generally aggressive with high work and a lot of body shots.
Although Tomoki is known for his work rate he's actually got a fair bit more to his game than just an action packed brawling style. He can, when needed, box, counter punch or brawl and it's with this trio of traits that many view him as potentially the best of the Kameda brothers.
For this bout in particular it's fair to say that Tomoki will need to be a boxer and not a fighter. If he he tries go to war with Ambunda the bout will be tough, much tougher than it needs to be. Instead Kameda needs to be on his toes, use his height (7" advantage) and reach to keep Ambunda at a safe distance and land his jab and straights through out. If Tomoki can do this it's hard to imagine him losing, if he gets dragged in to a war it's really anyone game.
Prediction-Tomoki UD12 (after some difficult periods)
Kompayak Porpramook v Koki Eto
This weeks first title fight takes place in Thailand as WBA "interim" Flyweight champion Kompayak Porpramook (50-4, 35) defends his title against little known Japanese fighter Koki Eto (13-2-1, 10).
The hardcore amongst us will know a bit about Porpramook who is best known for his 2011 war with Adrian Hernandez for the WBC Flyweight title. That bout may not have have screamed "big names" or even "give me attention" but it was a genuinely wonderful battle that Porpramook came out on top of stopping Hernandez in the 10th round.
Although Porpramook would lose in a rematch to Hernandez in Mexico in 2012 he had shown his heart and warrior spirit by climbing back to his feet twice before the referee waved an early conclusion to events.
In terms of style Porpramook is a bit of the "typical Thai" in that he's more of a fighter than a boxer. He's not a concussive puncher or a defensively intelligent fighter but he has an excellent engine that seems to never stop, he often applies constant offensive work and walks forward through whatever is thrown his way. Often this is enough to over-whelm his opponents but a clever boxer who has an equally impressive tank could defeat him or a powerful hitter who can dent his chin also seems likely to beat him (as Hernandez did).
Whilst the hardcore will Porpramook only the extremely hardcore will know too much about Koki Eto. One of 3 boxing brothers Eto is technically awful, he's almost without a defense or a clue of what to do in the actual ring though he does, rather thankfully for his career, have a dynamite punch, the heart of a lion and the refusal to just lose.
Aged 25 Eto is significantly younger in both "real years" and "ring years" though his youth hasn't been spent using reflexes to avoid shots, instead he often seems to take a few in the hope of landing his dynamite fists.
The power of Eto really cannot be over-stated. He may technically have just a 62.5% KO rate from all his fights but 3 of his 6 distance bouts were in his first 4 contests and his 2nd round stoppage of Denchailek Kratingdaenggym last November showed that power as he left the Thai reeling from wild and genuinely reckless blows.
With the power of Eto and the toughness of Porpramook I think we're actually in for a lower level version of the recent Omar Figueroa v Nihito Arakawa bout from this past Saturday. This time however the tough veteran probably manages to see off his hard hitting and much younger rival after a few shaky moments.
Prediction-Porpramook TKO7
The hardcore amongst us will know a bit about Porpramook who is best known for his 2011 war with Adrian Hernandez for the WBC Flyweight title. That bout may not have have screamed "big names" or even "give me attention" but it was a genuinely wonderful battle that Porpramook came out on top of stopping Hernandez in the 10th round.
Although Porpramook would lose in a rematch to Hernandez in Mexico in 2012 he had shown his heart and warrior spirit by climbing back to his feet twice before the referee waved an early conclusion to events.
In terms of style Porpramook is a bit of the "typical Thai" in that he's more of a fighter than a boxer. He's not a concussive puncher or a defensively intelligent fighter but he has an excellent engine that seems to never stop, he often applies constant offensive work and walks forward through whatever is thrown his way. Often this is enough to over-whelm his opponents but a clever boxer who has an equally impressive tank could defeat him or a powerful hitter who can dent his chin also seems likely to beat him (as Hernandez did).
Whilst the hardcore will Porpramook only the extremely hardcore will know too much about Koki Eto. One of 3 boxing brothers Eto is technically awful, he's almost without a defense or a clue of what to do in the actual ring though he does, rather thankfully for his career, have a dynamite punch, the heart of a lion and the refusal to just lose.
Aged 25 Eto is significantly younger in both "real years" and "ring years" though his youth hasn't been spent using reflexes to avoid shots, instead he often seems to take a few in the hope of landing his dynamite fists.
The power of Eto really cannot be over-stated. He may technically have just a 62.5% KO rate from all his fights but 3 of his 6 distance bouts were in his first 4 contests and his 2nd round stoppage of Denchailek Kratingdaenggym last November showed that power as he left the Thai reeling from wild and genuinely reckless blows.
With the power of Eto and the toughness of Porpramook I think we're actually in for a lower level version of the recent Omar Figueroa v Nihito Arakawa bout from this past Saturday. This time however the tough veteran probably manages to see off his hard hitting and much younger rival after a few shaky moments.
Prediction-Porpramook TKO7
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