February 25th

On this day....
 
1997-Hiroki Ioka (30-5-1,1 5) Vs Jose Bonilla (21-3, 11)
Japanese fighter Hiroki Ioka had won world titles at Minimumweight and Light Flyweight earlier in his career and he chased a third divisional world title, having numerous world title shots at a third weight class. The third saw him challenging WBA Flyweight champion Jose Bonilla. Sadly for Ioka he would be dropped by Bonilla in the second round before losing in the 7th. Ioka would go on to challenge Satoshi Iida, for the WBA Super Flyweight title, but come up short there as well, retiring in 1998 with the third weight class remaining elusive.
 
1995-Ratanapol Sor Vorapin (20-2-1, 15) Vs Jerry Pahayahay (21-15-1, 8)
In 1992 Thai youngster Ratanapol Sor Vorapin won the IBF Minimumweight tite, at the age of 18. His 9th defense saw him take on the experienced Jerry Pahayahay, a man best known for twice beating Pongsaklek Wonjongkam. Ratanapol would stop the experienced Filipino in 3 rounds to retain his title and continue his reign, which would continue until he was stripped in March 1996 for failing to make weight. He would however regain the title just 2 months later.
 
1989-Elly Pical (18-3, 11) Vs Mike Phelps (26-1-3, 8)
Indonesian fighter Elly Pical wasn't just the first Indonesian to win a world title, but was the first 3-time champion from the country. In his third defense of his third reign Pical took on American challenger Mike Phelps, in what was the first ever world title bout in Singapore. The Indonesian would retain the title with a split decision, before losing the belt 8 months later to Juan Polo Perez in the US.
 
1983-Akira Yaegashi's birthday
Popular Japanese warrior Akira Yaegashi celebrates his birthday! The brilliantly exciting Yaegashi has given us a fantastic career, winning world titles in 3 divisions, and is one of the true modern day warriors. A real gem for the sport and someone who is hopefully having a great birthday!