This past Saturday was a notable day in Asian boxing with several interesting fighters in action.

Tokyo, Japan
At the Korakuen Hall fans has an intriguing show that featured fighters across various levels of the sport.

The most notable man in action was former Japanese Light Flyweight champion Yu Kimura (17-3-1, 3) who really shined as he comfortably out pointed Mexican visitor Jesus Faro (14-10 9). Kimura controlled the bout through out and looked at his best as he came out the clear winner in a bout that seemingly acted as a “world title prelude” and it now seems that he's angling for a fight with WBC champion Pedro Guevara.

Another man looking for a title fight is Yuto Shimizu (10-2-2, 3) who recorded his 7th successive win as he over-came veteran foe Yosuke Kirima (21-5-2, 14). On paper this looked like a bout where Kirima was the favourite but Shimizu proved his quality once again and he really deserves a title fight after recent wins over Hikaru Nishida, Toru Chiba, Taakehiro Shimokawara and now Kirima. Sadly for Kirima, himself a former title domestic title challenger, this loss ends a 4 fight winning streak.

A minor upset saw the light hitting Hirotsugu Yamamoto (17-11-2 2) take a very wide decision win against Koichi Ito (10-4-3, 9), with Ito struggling to win a round. Coming in to this bout Yamamoto was 1-5 in his last 6 but really turned in a performance to be proud of here. Sadly for Ito, who really was second best in every which way, this was his his 3rd loss in 5 bouts and his future really doesn't look too good right now.

Whilst Ito looks done it's fair to say things are only getting started for Light Flyweight hopeful Kenji Ono (9-1, 4) who took a solid win over Kenta Motoki (6-8-1, 1). Ono, won won a hard fought 8 round decision, has now won 7 in a row and he'll be hoping to move towards a Japanese ranking in the next 12 months ago.

Talking about fighters looking forward to the future it's fair to say the future is very bright for Lightweight prospect Shuya Masaki (2-0, 1) who scored a solid 6 round decision win over Shintaro Nakamura (5-5-1, 2). Masaki might be slightly disappointed that he didn't get a stoppage but he really was a run away winner.

At Welterweight fans saw Masaya Tamayama (5-1, 3) bounce back from his sole loss as he out pointed the more experienced Shingo Yabu (4-6). On paper this was a solid win for the young prospect however it does need saying that Yabu has been stopped 4 times, suggesting that Tamayama doesn't his as hard as his record indicates.

The only 4 rounder on this card saw Ryo Matsubara (3-1, 3) score a 2nd round stoppage of the previously unbeaten Seiyu Gunji (1-1-1, 1). This was Matsubara's second stoppage since being narrowly out-pointed by Takunari Yokoyama in June 2014, and despite that loss it does seem that he has serious power.

Bucheon, South Korea
In theory “world” title bouts are the highest level of fights. Yesterday however we had a world title bout that really wasn't at the top level, but yet was still a very intriguing contest as “WIBA” Minimumweight champion Ji Hyun Park (22-2, 6) took a clear, but hard fought, decision over Filipino foe Gretchen Abaniel (15-8, 6). Abaniel came to rip the title from the champion and, during the early rounds, had real success but eventually Park found her range and took the later rounds to retain her title

Also on this card was a bout featuring Thai based Iranian Mohamadreza Hamze (6-6-1, 2), who lost a decision to a local fighter, though sadly we've been unable to put a name to the Korean who beat him.

Michoacán de Ocampo, Mexico
In Mexico things didn't end well for the over-matched Kazuki Hashimoto (11-5, 7) was saw a 4 fight winning streak come to a quick end at the hands of former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez (58-9, 49). Gonzalez, who was making his Super Featherweight debut, stopped Hashimoto in the 2nd round and it now seems likely that he begin targeting a bout with Takashi Miura.

Tasmania, Australia
In Australia there were a couple of Asian fighters in action.

One of those bouts ended in a genuine upset as Australian based Thai Paitoon Jaikom (4-15, 2) scored a very rare win as he over-came the debuting Jakob Daureen (0-1) with a 4 round decision. Paitoon started well, scoring a knock-down in the opening round, and never really let the lead slip out of his hands.

In the main event of the card fans saw former Bantamweight world title challenger Nouldy Manakane (29-18-2, 18) suffer a 3rd round loss to unbeaten Super Featherweight hopeful Luke Jackson (9-0, 4). It's been a while since Manakane lost to Koki Kameda, in a WBA Bantamweight title fight, but it's now clear that he is fight well above his natural weight and that he's becoming little more than a journeyman.

(Image courtesy of boxingnews.jp)

This past Saturday was a ridiculously busy day with numerous great fights. With so much action it has taken us a while to get our results up, and even now we awaiting results from 2 other cards. Hopefully we'll be able to add those soon.

Osaka, Japan
The first Asian show of the day was in Osaka where we had a female world title double header. 

The most notable of those world title bouts saw WBO Atomweight champion Nao Ikeyama (15-3-1, 4) score the first defence of her title. The 45 year old defending champion managed to out work and out point the younger Masae Akitaya (9-5-2, 3) in what was a stirring effort from the champion and the sort of bout that shows that age isn't a defining factor in how good a fighter is. Ikeyama may have the face of a 45 year old battler but she has the energy reserves of someone half her age and she showed it in scintillating fashion here.

The other world title fight on this same show saw Japan's Kumiko Seeser Ikehara (6-1-1, 3) claim the WBO female Minimumweight title with a split decision win over Filipino foe Gretchen Abaniel (15-6, 6). Although the scorecards were all over Ikehara was the deserving winner and she seemed the stronger fighter through out. Sadly this title was vacant following Mako Yamada's retirement and in fairness to Yamada she would likely have beaten both Ikehara and Abaniel with out any issues, it's just a shame she retired following her excellent victory over Su Yun Hong.

A third notable female bout on this show ended with a little surprise as Tamao Ozawa (7-2, 2) claimed a split decision over Kai Johnson (5-6-3, 2). The records may not suggest this was a surprise but Johnson had come into this bout following stoppage wins over Tomomi Takano, in June, and Ozawa in March. For Ozawa this was revenge for one of her losses and by far her biggest win to date.

Down the card there was another female bout as Aiko Yamagishi (4-0-1, 2) stopped Chie Higano (3-1) in 2 rounds.

The other bout on the bottom of the card saw debutants taking wins as Yusuke Hiranuma (1-0) out pointed Hiroshi Takagi (2-4) over the 4 round distance Shoshi Nakamura (1-0, 1) stopped Terumi Aoi (0-2) part way through round 4.

Jakarta, Indonesia
In Indonesia there was 2 televised bouts, sadly both of them slipped under our radar. The under-card bout saw Marten Kisamlu (3-2, 1) score a 4th round TKO over the frankly hopeless Safwan Lombok (1-26-1). For Lombok this was his 24th successive bout with out a win and you need to go all the way back to 2008 to find his sole win, a split decision over Ichal Tobida.

The main event on this card saw Erick Deztroyer (5-2) claim the interim Indonesian Boxing Association Super Bantamweight title after he won a very close 12 round split decision win against Gusti Elnino (1-5). From the score-cards it appears to have been one of those that could have gone either way though the only thing for sure is that neither of these guys is going to go far, at best they will be used as journeymen in Thailand, the Philippines and Japan.

Arizona, USA
In the US fans were treat to a fantastic performance of counter-puncher from talented Russian prospect Konstantin Ponomarev (25-0, 12) who looked very promising as he out pointed Mexican veteran Cosme Rivera (37-19-3-1, 25). At just 21 years old it does look like Ponomarev may not have natural power needed to progress to the top, though he is still not a fully matured fighter and hopefully that power will come as he becomes a man. With speed, an exciting style and a clear ability there is a lot of hope that Ponomarev will go all the way and we have our fingers tightly crossed that he will manage to become the star that his team expect him to be.

Baja California, Mexico
Last, but not least, was a thriller in Mexico as Terdsak Kokietgym (53-5-1, 33) went toe-to-toe and exchanged multiple knock downs with Mexico's very own Orlando Salido (42-12-2-1, 29). Unfortunately for Terdsak he was on the end of the biggest knockdown that came in round 11 and forced the referee to immediately stop the bout, it was the 7th knockdown of the bout and ended a see-saw battle in style. If you enjoy violence and thrilling action this one is for you, despite a very poor performance from referee Eddie Claudio who was easily the worst thing about the bout.

Cebu, Philippines
In the Philippines there were a number of bouts in Cebu. 

The highest profile fighter in action here was fringe Super Featherweight contender Adones Aguelo (22-10-2, 14) who made light work of the over-matched Bonnie Makiling (5-7, 4). Whilst we wouldn't describe Aguelo as a future world champion he has shown himself as a very competitive fighter with solid performances against some of the best in Mexico such as Sergio Thompson.

In one of the chief support bouts fans saw the unbeaten Ardie Boyose (12-0-1, 8) continue his winning ways with a decision over the incredibly tough Jaime Barcelona (38-56-1, 10). Although Boyose is a big puncher credit needs to go to Barcelona who has managed to go 95 bouts over 17 years with only 5 stoppage losses. Another 8 round decision saw the much touted Neil John Tabanao (9-0, 6) being taken the distance by Jo-as Apericio (11-13,8). For the 20 year old Tabanao this was his second successive decision win and will have helped him develop more than blow away victories.

One stoppage that came in the bouts scheduled for 8 rounds saw the criminally under-rated Gerpaul Valero (18-15-3, 12) stopping the so-so Arlon Batingal (7-9, 4) in 3 rounds. The 23 year old Valero has one of the ultimate "misleading records" and has turned his career around remarkably in the last 4 years, a real battler and credit to hard work, hopefully that hard work will, one day, pay off in a big pay day.

The only other result from this show that we know the result for saw Joey Canoy (7-0-1, 3) retaining his unbeaten record in a battle of unbeaten men as he over-came Ryan Bajala (3-1, 1) with a 6 round decision,.

Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
In Spain there was another Thai in action as the experienced Kiatchai Singwancha (35-12, 24) scored a 4th round KO against the fragile Ivan Martinez (29-5, 23).

(Image courtesy of Thairec.com)

Sometimes boxing favours those fighting at home due to the judging and refereeing. That is almost accepted in this sport and we see it time and time again. What we don't often see is the way the arena conditions can take a toll on a fighter or even both fighters

Unfortunately today saw conditions taking their toll on almost every fighter on one Thai card with only 1 fighter, who was in a mismatch, actually looking anywhere near their physical best.

Bangkok, Thailand
The card, at the Bangkok University, Thonburi Campus in Bangkok may well have been one of the worst venues for fights that we've ever seen televised. The conditions were nothing short of brutal with every fighter feeling the effects of what seemed a stuffy, humid and over-ly hot venue.

Despite the conditions, which really did seem detrimental to the fighters, we did get plenty of action. This included a genuine slug fest that kicked off the televised broadcast. This bout, between Thewa Tor Surat (4-0, 1) and Saksri Petchtwin Gym (3-9), told the story of the day. After just a few rounds both men were covered in sweat, their arms dropping unusually frequently and their feet stationary. It may have resembled a fight outside of a night club but it was incredibly entertaining despite both visibly showing how much they felt the conditions.

If Thewa and Saksri felt the conditions over 6 rounds then it made total sense that Kwanpichit OnesongchaiGym (25-0-2, 10), pictured, and Jay-ar Estremos (10-6, 4) felt it over 12 rounds as they battled for the WBO Oriental Flyweight title. Kwanpichit, a world ranked fighter, seemed to feel the conditions from very early on and the Filipino challenger knew it as he threw everything, including the kitchen sink, at his much more established opponent

As with the opening show from the broadcast, the title fight was a slugfest. Both men seemed to ignore defense in the hope that they could stop the opponent before the venue stopped them. Amazingly both Kwanpichit and Estremos managed to see out the 12 rounds though unfortunately the decision was a poor one with Kwanpichit defending his title with a majority decision victory. It was a victory that everyone seemed to know he didn't deserve and one that suggested he'd never be ready for a world title fight.

It was only the final show on the broadcast that didn't see conditions destroying the fight. Unfortunately it was a huge mismatch with former world title challenger Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo (49-1, 32) swiftly stopping the debuting Harry Utagalang (0-1) in just 3 rounds. Chonlatarn, a talented fighter, showed his class and took out Utagalang with a devastating body shot that seemed to leave Utagalang in no hurry to get up. For fans of body shots this was a beauty.

As well as the 3 televised bouts we also believe there was a female bout between Nonggift Onesongchaigym (6-1-1, 1) and Maimuang Sitkhurusian (1-4-1) which ended in a 6 round draw. We didn't see this one though would suspect that both fighters were, once again, feeling the draining effects of a venue that seemed to be unsuitable for boxing.

Laguna, Philippines
Thankfully not every venue is unbearable and the Binan City Town Plaza Gymnasium was a much more suitable venue for a deep Filipino show.  

As with the Thai card this one featured a title bout, though it was a female title bout as the talented and popular Gretchen Abaniel (14-5, 5) stopped Thai novice Nongnun Mor Krungthepthonburi (2-1) in 9 rounds and claimed the previously vacant WIBA Women's International Boxing Association Minimumweight title. This was Abaniel's first bout since being beaten in a WBA Atomweight title fight last year by Ayaka Miyao and she showed that she still belongs in the mix with the top females at 102lbs and 105lbs.

Abaniel's stoppage was one of two from the selection of 10 rounders on offer. The other saw former world title challenger Ardin Diale (23-8-3, 10) stopping Thai visitor Kaichon Sor Vorapin (25-12, 9) in just 2 rounds. Although the bout went into round 2 Kaichon was dropped twice inside the opening stanza and it was clear he couldn't cope with Diale's power. Kaichon has now been stopped 9 times in his 27 contests.

As well as the stoppages the 10 rounders gave us a genuinely shocking upset as Geboi Mansalayao (9-16-4, 3) defeated the more experienced Ryan Bito (22-14-3, 8). Bito, although not a world beater by any stretch of the imagination, usually beats this level of opponent whilst losing to the prospects and contenders so a loss, albeit by majority decision, is a bit of a surprise.

The only other 10 round on the show saw Eranio Semillano (9-5, 3) taking a very narrow split decision victory over Rey Juntilla (17-4-2, 10). This result, another upset, saw neither man taking control of the contest and as a result it was competitive. A rematch, whilst perhaps not hugely likely, wouldn't be a bad thing considering how close they were.

Whilst half of the bouts scheduled for 10 went the distance none of the 2 bouts scheduled for 8 went the scheduled. In fact they didn't even go 8 between them.

The 8 rounders included a 96 second blow out by Renerio Arizala (9-0-1, 4), who swiftly took care of Joan Imperial (9-4-6, 4) and a second round stoppage by Eduard Penerio (16-2, 11) against the usually durable Pit Anacaya (8-23-2, 1).

The stoppages in the 8 rounders weren't alone as we also saw a third round victory for PABA Super Middleweight champion Ben McCulloch (13-0, 10) who, fighting in a none-title fighter, dismantled Gavad Zohrehvand (13-1) in a scheduled 6 rounder. Zohrehvand was dropped in rounds 1 and 2 before being stopped in the final round. 

The 6 rounders also saw Richard Claveras (6-0-2, 6) stopping Anferne Palarca (3-1, 1) in 2 rounds and Rey Ramos (6-4-2, 3) forced a 3rd round retirement of Cris Leon (6-9-4, 3).

In the other two 6 rounders we saw Lester Abutan (5-1-1, 2) out pointing Miko Sacro (3-2) in a near shut out and Jestoni Autida (3-1, 1) over-coming Marlon Arcilla (3-2, 1), with Arcilla being dropped in round 1.

With the stoppages that laced the card it may come as a surprise to hear that neither of the 4 rounders saw a stoppage. Instead these saw Jon Jon Estrada (2-1-1, 1) out pointing the debuting Clark Antonio Olisa (0-1) and the unbeaten Toto Landero (2-0, 1) over coming Rommel Berwela (0-1).

Cebu, Philippines
The Laguna show wasn't the only one in the Philippines as the Dalaguete Sports Complex played host to 7 bouts, including a couple of domestic title fights.

The most notable name on the show was recent world title challenger Vergilio Silvano (19-3-1, 10). Silvano, who lost last year to Katsunari Takayama in an IBF title fight, defeated hard hitting domestic rival Mark Anthony Florida (8-4, 7) to claim the Philippines Boxing Federation (PBF) Light Flyweight title.

Silvano was one of two newly crowned PBF champions alongside new Super Flyweight title holder Jhaleel Payao (8-0, 6) who stopped the experienced Dondon Jimenea (28-22-4, 14) in the show's co-feature.

Unfortunately the two title bouts were the only contests of note on the show. The other bouts saw mostly novices in action with just two stoppages. One of those saw Jerry Castroverde (1-0, 1) scoring a debut stoppage over Junie Villacrucis (0-3) whilst the other was for Charlie Pucdol (6-2, 5) who halted Junny Salogaol (4-7-4, 4), who had never previously been stopped.


In bouts that went the distance Jhon Kenan Villaflor (3-0-2, 1) fought to a draw with Richard Rosales (6-2-2, 2), Gary Rojo (2-6) scored a rare victory over-coming Michael Kaibigan (1-2, 1) whilst Carlo Demecillo (2-0, 1) defeated the debuting Prex Cabilla (0-1).