
Although not the most successful of fighters to come out of Japan Tomiyama did have a notable career that saw him involved in number memorable bouts, and achieve a small reign as the OPBF Super Flyweight champion.
That title reign was a short lived one that began in June 2008, when he defeated Norasing Kietprasanchai in their second bout, and featured just a single defence, which saw him stopping Kuniyuki Aizawa in 12 rounds. Rather than keep a hold of the title for a longer period Tomiyama ended his reign to challenge the then the then WBA world champion Nobuo Nashiro, and the flamboyant Tomiyama had real success as he twice dropped the teak tough Nashiro. Unfortunately for Tomiyama however he was unable to finish Nashiro when he had the chance and ended up being stopped in the 8th round of a memorable contest.
A mixed run followed that loss, with defeats to a then novice Hiroki Shiino and a stoppage loss to Taiki Eto on the domestic level. His career did however receieve some major international attention in 2013 when he moved up to 122lbs and took on world class Filipino Genesis Servania in a really memorable bout that saw possibly the round of the year. The bout saw Tomiyama suffer a 9th round split decision technical loss, but but saw him drop Servania twice in the opening round.
Sadly the loss to Servania took it's toll and Tomiyama would fight only 3 more bouts, beating Kanae Onogi and suffer losses to Kentaro Masuda, a 3rd round KO ina Japanese title fight, and Hirofumi Mukai, losing an 8 round decision.
Although not one of the greats of the Japanese boxing world Tomiyama was an exciting and unique fighter who brought cockiness and arrogance to the Japanese boxing scene, making him a memorable fighter. His bouts with Nashiro and Servania were both memorable fights and he deserves a happy retirement from the sport.
(Image courtesy of Watanabe gym)
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