It feels like the last few weeks I've started our weekly awards by apologising for a lack of action, and interesting awards winners. It was as if I was making excuses for these articles not being the most interesting. This week however things have suddenly changed and we've had a lot of incredible action, compelling match ups and interesting fights. It's not been a perfect week, but given what we've had recently it has been a very solid week.

Fighter of the Week
Koki Inoue (13-0, 10)
After a couple of forgetful performances from Koki Inoue he managed to put on a show as he defended the Japanese Light Welterweight title and stopped Ryuji Ikeda. On paper this was an easy first defense, it was supposed to be, but he still put on the performance he needed, shining like the exciting fighter he proved to be earlier in his career. There was, obviously, areas to still improve on, but his ring IQ, control of distance and powerful flowing combinations were excellent, and it's obvious that matched with the right opponent he can be very fun to watch.

Performance of the Week
Kanat Islam (26-0, 21)
After being out of the ring for close to 2 years we saw Kazakh hopeful Kanat Islam return to the ring and put in one of the shortest bout's well see in 2019. In fact it lasted less time than it would take for most fans to sit down after the national anthem, but still put the 154lbs division on alert. Islam pretty hurt Julio De Jesus with the first connect then let only a handful of shots go before De Jesus hit the canvas and the referee instantly waved off the contest. Officially this was stopped after 14 seconds, and it was all Islam.
 
Fight
Tsuyoshi Tameda (19-4-2, 17) vs Tae Il Atsumi (16-2, 8)
We expected a great fight when Japanese puncher Tsuyoshi Tameda took on Japanese based Korean foe Tae Il Atsumi. There was something about the match up that got us really excited before a punch was thrown and it took only seconds to see that out expectations were pretty accurate. This bout was dominated by Tsuyoshi throwing bombs from the off, his lack of accuracy left him open but it was only a matter of time before he was going to land. When he did Atsumi tried to respond, and the touchpaper was lit! This didn't last long, but was thoroughly entertaining.
 
Round
Tsuyoshi Tameda vs Tae Il Atsumi RD1
Whilst we had some great fights no single round really stood out, with the best of them arguably being the pick of the bunch. It was a round that had some really fun back and forth moments, some knockdowns and some wild brawling as Tameda forced his fight on to Atsumi. The second round was too short to really steal the show, but the first round was damn good action!
 
KO
Kanat Islam KO1 Julio De Jesus
Whilst it wasn't beautiful it's hard to argue with the blow out KO that Kanat Islam scored as the best of the week, it was certainly the most impactful, eye catching and destructive. A huge right hand over the top started things and 2 more followed to send De Jesus crashing to the canvas. Yes this bout was an horrific mismatch, even when you accept the long lay off for Islam, but the finish was truly brutal.
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Prospect 
Mikito Nakano (3-0, 3)
We had a lot of prospects in action over the last 7 days, and they included some sure fire stars like Taku Kuwahara, Kuntae Lee, Sultan Zaurbek and even the unheralded Mark Vicelles. The one who impressed the most however was Mikito Nakano, who took a huge step up and blew out Filipino Arvin Yurong in what was a really credible test. Yurong had shown some ability against Xiang Li back in January but Nakano went through him like a knife through hot butter to score a 2nd round KO. We knew Nakano was good, but this was special and the Asian scene at Featherweight is seemingly on the verge of a new star.
 
Upcoming fight 
Shinobu Charlie Hosokawa (11-4, 10) v Koki Tyson (14-3-2, 12)
This coming week has 4 male world title fights, a female world title fight and so much more, though for us the bout we're most excited about is the OPBF Middleweight title bout between Shinobu Charlie Hosokawa and Koki Tyson, in what we're expecting will be a full on shoot out. It's not the highest quality bout we're expecting to see, but it has the real potential to be the most exciting, the most fan friendly and the most entertianing. In fact if this bout doesn't end up being a shoot out we'll be truly surprised...and a little bit disappointed!
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After a relatively quiet month of June we see things really pick up in July, with what looks to be a truly hectic schedule. We though May was busy but even the craziness of May could end up playing second fiddle to June which features everything we could ever ask for.
 
July 1st-

•  Koki Inoue (13-0, 10) Vs Ryuji Ikeda (14-5-3, 9) - Tokyo, Japan

The first title bout of the new month will see Japanese Light Welterweight champion Koki Inoue make his first defense, as he goes up against Ryuji Ikeda. This really should be a mismatch in favour of Inoue, though it seems like he's planning to make an exciting fight, after a couple of dull performances. The talented Inoue is a class fighter, and in Ikeda he may well have the perfect foil to shine against

• Tsuyoshi Tameda (19-4-2, 17) Vs Tae Il Atsumi (16-2,8) - Tokyo, Japan

A potentially amazing match up will see hard hitting Japanese national Tsuyoshi Tameda up against Japanese based Korea Tae Il Atsumi. This could end up being a sleeper classic, with the two styles being aggressive and both having heavy, thudding power. On paper Tameda is the younger and more powerful guy, but Atsumi is the naturally bigger man, and we should have something amazing here.

• Taku Kuwahara (4-0, 3) v Kyomu Hamagami (4-2-2, 4)- Tokyo, Japan

Touted prospect Taku Kuwahara is expected to be really let off the leash in the very near future, but for now he has to get past domestic foe Kyomu Hamagami. Although not the most skilled fighter out there Hamagami is heavy handed and could give Kuwahara a chin check if he lands clean. Kuwahara on the other hand really does look like he is "the goods".

• Sho Nakazawa (12-3, 6) v Jinya Ito (7-5-1, 2) -Tokyo, Japan

The once touted Sho Nakazawa, who was a fantastic amateur on the Japanese domestic scene, looks to continue his career rebuild after losing 3 of his last 7, including one loss to the previously mentioned Atsumi. Ito shouldn't be much of a test for Nakazawa, but it's hard to know what Nakazawa's future really holds after his recent defeats.
 
July 6th-

• Nordine Oubaali (15-0, 11) v Arthur Villanueva (32-3-1, 18) -Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan 

The biggest bout, for us at least, this Saturday will see Filipino fighter Arthur Villanueva getting a shot at WBC Bantamweight champion Nordine Oubaali in Kazakhstan. For Oubaali this will be his first defense of the title he won earlier this year, against Rau'shee Warren, and the plan seems to be for him to get some really big fights later in the year. For Villanueva the opportunity seems a lucky and underserved one, but we can't blame him for taking it. Notable the mandatory for the winner of this will be Takuma Inoue.

• Zhankosh Turarov (23-0, 16) v Mauro Maximiliano Godoy (31-4-1, 16) - Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan

Unbeaten Kazakh prospect Zhankosh Turarov was in the world rankings before a long break slowed his momentum, now however he is back and in the second bout of his return he takes on experienced Argentinian Mauro Maximiliano Godoy in a bout for the WBO Inter-Continental Light Welterweight. A win here does set Turarov up for bigger fights down the line, though we do wonder what his ambition is like and what condition his body will be in for big fights it, or when, they happen.

• Viktor Kotochigov (9-0, 4) v Jairo Lopez (24-10, 16)- Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan

In a good step up bout we'll see Kazakh hopeful Viktor Kotochigov take a steep up to face off with Mexican veteran Jairo Lopez for the WBC International Lightweight title. The unbeaten Kazakh has shown touches of real promise, but has also been a frustrating fighter to watch at times and looks like a man who needs to change his mindset if he's going to make the most of his ability. Lopez is no world beater, but has mixed with world class opposition during his long career, and has served the sport as a good gatekeeper. Sadly whilst Jairo was one a very solid gatekeeper he has gone 6-7 in his last 13. 

• Kenichi Ogawa (23-1-0-1, 17) Vs TBA - Tokyo, Japan

Originally Kenichi Ogawa was set to headline in Tokyo against Azinga Fuzile in an IBF world title eliminator, though plans were forced to change when Fuzile failed to secure a visa in time. Ogawa will instead face an opponent who hasn't been confirmed, though is expected to be a very limit import in little more than a stay busy bout for the former Japanese champion.

• Shuya Masaki (12-1, 5) Vs Al Toyogon (10-3-1, 6) - Tokyo, Japan

In a really interesting match up the once touted Shya Masaki, who has had some very hit and miss performances, will take on Filipino foe Al Toyogon. The once beaten Masaki has won 3 in a row since losing to Hironori Mishiro in early 2018, but did look like a star in the making in those wins. Toyogon on the other hand will be looking to bounce back from a recent loss to Ryo Sagawa. Toyogon showed his toughness and desire against Sagawa and if he shows that again here he could be a banana skin for Masaki.

•  Hayate Kaji (12-0, 9) Vs Rey Orais (20-18-2, 5) - Tokyo, Japan

Talented and unbeaten Super Flyweight puncher Hayate Kaji looks to take a huge step towards a potential title fight as he takes on Japanese based Filipino veteran Rey Orais. This is pretty much a Japanese Super Flyweight title eliminator, and a win for Kaji would almost certainly put him in the running for an eliminator at the end of the year. Orais has the experience to test the youngster, but with age and power on his side, we struggle to see Kaji losing to his veteran foe.

• Mikito Nakano (2-0, 2) vs Arvin Yurong (12-2, 3) -Tokyo, Japan

Touted Japanese youngster Mikito Nakano takes his a big step up in class as he goes up against Filipino foe Arvin Yurong in a mouth watering clash. The talented Nakano is tipped as one of the future stars of the world famous Teiken gym, following an excellent amateur career, but so far hasn't been tested as a professional. Yurong is a great test and he impressed us in his 4th round loss back in January against the fast rising Xiang Li. This should be a solid test for Nakano.

• Kuntae Lee (1-0, 1) Vs Marlon Paniamogan (9-0-1, 5) -Tokyo, Japan

Another of Teiken's highly regarded prospects, Kuntae Lee, looks to score his second win as he takes a massive step up in class and takes on unbeaten Filipino foe Marlon Paniamogan. Lee really impressed on his debut, but was sadly up against someone who posed no test at all and we really didn't learn much about Lee other than that he had a fantastic jab. Here we should see Lee answering a lot of questions. Not much is known about Paniamogan but he will not be in Japan to roll over and lose.
 
July 7th-

• Tibo Monabesa (19-1-2, 8) vs Omari Kimweri (17-4, 7) -Indonesia

In an IBO Light Flyweight title bout we'll see once beaten Indonesian Tibo Monabesa take on former WBCworld title challenger Omari Kimweri in what should be a very interesting match up. Monabesa was touted as one of the big hopes for Indonesia, but a loss to Hiroto Kyoguchi slowed his climb and it's now unclear what his ceiling is. Kimweri, although not a big puncher, is a nightmare to fight and should ask a lot of questions of the local favourite. This could be a very compelling contest.

• Defry Palulu (21-2-1, 13) Vs Pungluang Sor Singyu (53-6, 35) - Indonesia

Another once touted Indonesian fighter, Defry Palulu, will take on his most notable opponent to date as he battles former world champion Pungluang Sor Singyu for a couple of minor regional titles. The Indonesian was once seen as the successor to Chris John as the face of Indonesian boxing but but a loss to AJ Banal slowed his climb and he's struggled to build real momentum since then. He should have significant size advantage of Punluang, who made his name at Bantamweight, but this is no gimme for Palulu, given the power, experience and toughness of the Thai.
 
July 9th-

• Shinobu Charlie Hosokawa (11-4, 10) v Koki Tyson (14-3-2, 12) - Tokyo, Japan 

In an OPBF Middleweight title bout we'll see hard hitters collide with the all action Shinobu Charlie Hosokawa taking on the big punching Koki Tyson. With both of these men having vicious power we don't see anything but a thriller here, though Hosokawa does seem to have advantages in terms of toughness and work rate, whilst Tyson is the bigger puncher and the more technically sounded fighter. With the styles of Hosokawa's pressure and aggression going up against Tyson's movement and boxing we are expecting something absolutely brilliant to finish off the first part of the month.

It's fair to say that March was a spotty month, with some real ups and downs, and little in terms on consistency. April however looks to be a month packed with great fights through the month, particularly in Japan where things really are a bit crazy!
 
April 2nd-

• Ryo Akaho (33-2-2, 22) vs Hyuma Fujioka (10-7-1, 1) - Tokyo, Japan

Two time world title challenger Ryo Akaho is in action early in the new month to take on Hyuma Fujioka, in what looks like a mismatch. The bout is being sold as a contest to get Akaho some ring time with a southpaw, and it seems like there are bigger plans set for later in the year. We don't see him struggling here, but it is worth noting that he and his team have a plan, and it certainly involves needing more experience against lefties.
 
April 5th-

• Riku Kunimoto (3-0, 1) Vs Shoma Fukumoto (12-3, 10)- Tokyo, Japan

The Japanese Middleweight scene is nothing amazing, but it's a good eco-system at the moment, with a combination of power fighters and skilled guys. Whilst none, other that Ryota Murata, will be expected to compete at world level there are some really interesting match ups the division can throw at us. One of those sees touted prospect Riku Kunimoto battle big punching Shoma Fukumoto in what should be a real test for the unbeaten youngster.

• Juiki Tatsuyoshi (10-0, 7) Vs Daichi Matsuura (6-3-2, 2) - Osaka, Japan

Second generation hopeful Juiki Tatsuyoshi continues his development as he takes on Daichi Matsuura. The unbeaten man, the son of the legendary Joichiro Tatsuyoshi, is moving gradually towards bigger fights and if we're being honest he is developing quite well, given how raw he looked at the start of his career. There is still work to do for the 22 year old, but it's hard to imagine anything but a win here against the 29 year old Matsuura.

• Kyosuke Tsutsumimoto (9-1, 8) Vs Tae Il Atusmi (15-2, 7) - Osaka, Japan

A mouth watering match up will pit hard hitting Japanese prospect Kyosuke Tsutsumimoto against Japanese based Korean Tae Il Atsumi. The once beaten Tsutsumimoto has gradually been impressing us, with his heavy hands but this is a legitimate step up in class. Atsumi has won 2 in a row since losing in 2017 to Shingo Kawamura and is a handful for anyone at regional level, on his day. This could very easily be one of the under-the-radar gems of the month.
 
April 6th-

• Valentine Hosokawa (24-6-3, 11) Vs Koki Inoue (12-0, 10) - Tokyo, Japan

Japanese Japanese Light Welterweight champion Valentine Hosokawa looks to make his third defense of the national crown as he takes on mandatory challenger Koki Inoue, the cousin of Naoya and Takuma. The champion is a true veteran, who won the Rookie of the Year more than a decade ago, and has battled through the Japanese scene the hard way. Inoue on the other hand was a touted amateur who has been avoided at times on the domestic stage, but will see this as a great chance to announce himself as a rising star. The styles of the men should make for a very special fight.
 
April 7th-

• Hiroshige Osawa (34-5-4, 20) Vs Ahmad Lahizab (4-7-1, 1) - Osaka, Japan

Former world title challenger Hiroshige Osawa will be up against Indonesian visitor Ahmad Lahizab, in what looks like little more than a stay busy fight for Osawa, before a bigger bout later in the year. Osawa is best known for being beaten by Oscar Valdez, and has gone 4-1 since then. Lahizab is little more than a fall guy here as Osawa continues to try and work his way towards a second world title fight.

• Daiki Tomita (12-1, 4) Vs Jeffrey Galero (17-6, 8) - Osaka, Japan

A really interesting bout will see once beaten Japanese youngster Daiki Tomita take on former world title challenger Jeffrey Galero from the Philippines. Tomita is looking to bounce back from his first career loss, a decision loss to Tsubasa Koura, whilst Galero is seeking to the right the ship after 3 losses in his last 4 bouts. Galero, when he's on point, is a good fighter, but he's been stopped twice in the last 3 years and it's hard to know whether he still has any desire to really fight.

• Andika D'Golden Boy (15-0, 8) vs Romshane Sarguilla (7-2-2, 4) - Jakarta, Indonesian

One of the rising hopefuls of Indonesia, Andika D'Golden Boy, will be looking to extend his unbeaten run to 16 fights as he takes on Filipino Romshane Sarguilla in a bout for the WBA Asia Light Flyweight title. The match up is an excellent one with D'Golden Boy, or Andika Sabu to give him his birth name, stepping up in class and Sarguilla looking to bounce back from a credible loss to Dave Apolinario. Both will be there to win, and we're expecting a really good bout.

• Ari Agustian (7-0, 7) vs Suntorn Panhom (3-3, 2)- Jakarta, Indonesian

Another rising hope of Indonesia is Ari Agustian, a hard hitting and exciting fighter who scored a hug win last May, stopping Baolin Kang in China, then seemingly vanished. Agustian is one of the Indonesian fighters with the biggest upside and we see him easily beating Suntorn Panhim in this match up for a WBC regional youth title.
 
April 8th-

• Akira Yaegashi (27-6, 15) Vs Sahaphap Bunop (4-2, 3)-Tokyo, Japan

Former 3-weight world champion Akira Yaegashi remains one of the most popular Japanese fighters thanks to his style. Here we'll see him fighting in a stay busy bout against Thailand's Sahaphap Bunop as he continues looking to prepare for a Super Flyweight world title bout. This isn't expected to be a test for the popular Yaegashi, but it should be a relatively safe bout before bigger threats and harder tests.

• Andy Hiraoka (13-0, 9) Vs Atchariya Wirojanasunobol (12-0, 5)-Tokyo, Japan

Unbeaten men collide with Japanese prospect Andy Hiraoka battling Atchariya Wirojanasunobol in a mouth watering match up. These two men are both hungry to score a career best win and know that a victory here should open up the doors to potential regional title bouts. Whilst neither man is massively well known in the West the winner certainly deserves some attention and to be put on the back of the mind of every fight fan.

• Ryo Matsumoto (21-3, 19) Vs Carlos Obisuru (5-1-1, 1)-Tokyo, Japan

Former world title challenger Ryo Matsumoto tries to put a horrific 2018, in which he went 0-2 losing to Danny Roman and Ryo Sagawa, behind him. He's been matched very softly here against an Indonesian he really should just run through. There is nothing on Obisuru's record to suggest any sort of a test here for the talented Matsumoto.

• Taku Kuwahara (3-0, 2) Vs Aprilianto Rumahpasal (1-3, 1)-Tokyo, Japan

Very highly regarded Japanese prospect Taku Kuwahra looks to continue his perfect start as he takes on Indonesian foe Aprilianto Rumahpasal. Much like Matsumoto's bout this should be a mismatch, especially given that Kuwahara is one of the best prospects in Japan, but he's going to have to keep his eye on the ball as title bouts may not be far away and anything like a cut could slow his rapid ascent to becoming a champion.