This past Friday was a busy day with Asian's in action around the globe along with a couple of Asian shows.

Tokyo, Japan
For us the most significant of the two Asian cards came from Japan where fans saw an OPBF title fight, a couple of world ranked fighters and some interesting action.

The main event was the aforementioned OPBF title bout which saw Lightweight champion Masayoshi Nakatani (11-0, 6) retain his title with a 5th round TKO win against Kazuya Murata (11-5, 5). This was Nakatani's 4th defense of the title and saw him get back to scoring stoppages after 4 straight distance bouts. The talented Ioka gym fighter took control early in the bout with his jab and movement and began to turn up the heat in round 4. At the end of round 5 the bout was stopped follow a doctor's inspection of the challenger who stopped the contest with Murata suffering a suspect eye injury.

In the chief support bout fans saw world ranked Super Bantamweight Shun Kubo (8-0, 6) make very light-work of Thailand's Jakarachlek Sor Wankaew (0-5). Kubo, who we had heard good things off through most of 2014, looked brilliant though the bout lasted just 54 seconds and it was hard to get a real read on just how good the Shinsei gym fighter really is.

Another world ranked fighter on this card was young Minimumweight hopeful Reiya Konishi (9-0, 4) who claimed a clear decision win over Naoya Haruguchi (7-6, 2). Konishi, who claimed the 2015 Rookie of the Year crown at 105lbs, showed some really nice touches in his work but he's a long, long, way from thinking about challenging for world honours. Saying that however he showed enough to suggest that he will be ready in 2016 for a Japanese title fight and we were genuinely impressed by his left hook to the body.

Konishi wasn't the only 2014 Rookie of the Year winner in action as Super Bantamweight winner Shohei Kawashima (11-0-2, 3) also picked up a victory. The relatively light hitting Kawashima managed to see off the limited Tatsuya Miyamoto (11-13-1, 7) in the 6th round following a lovely burst of shots. Although certainly not a puncher we do like Kawashima's combinations and he does look like a fighter who is going to grow in to his man strength in the coming years. Really one to keep an eye on.

In another bout at Super Bantamweight fans saw Yuta Uetani (17-5-1, 9) put in an impressive performance against the limited Serichai Nonpitayakom (0-2). On paper this was a mismatch but it was hard not to be impressed by Uetani's body punching, which put the Thai down for the count in roudn 2. Uetani might not be a top class fighter but he's going to be a handful for many fighters in and around the domestic level.

Another Japanese fighter to see off a Thai foe was Yasunori Kishigami (10-2-1, 6), who scored a 7th round KO against the win-less Kraithong Mansongkhram (0-3). Kraithong had made it to round 70 though was blasted with a vicious body shot in the opening seconds of the round. The Thai beat the count but was in no state to continue. Re-watching the shot it's amazing Kraithong didn't throw up on impact.

Bangkok, Thailand
The other card from Asia came from Thailand and was televised on Channel 7. The card was, for all intents, supposed to feature a couple of bouts that were warm up bouts for world ranked Thai's. Unfortunate for one of them the bout turned out to be less of a warm up and more of a nightmare.

One of those world ranked fighters was Paipharob Kokietgym (30-0, 23), who defended the WBO Oriental Light Flyweight title with an easy blow out win against Fanther Ndahiuw (7-4-1, 3). Ndahiuw, who had never been stopped, lasted just 105 seconds here as Paipharob kept up his hunt for a world title fight.

The other world ranked fighter was former challenger Pigmy Kokietgym (57-8-2, 23) who was surprisingly stopped in the 11th round by unheralded Filipino Jaysever Abcede (10-3, 6). The bout, for the WBO Oriental Minimumweight title was supposed to be a warm up for Pigmy before a showdown with Japan's sensational Kosei Tanaka. Instead it turned out to be a coming out party for 20 year old Abcede who finished the bout with a wonderful right hook in round 11. Whilst this is probably the end for Pigmy it's fair to say that Abcede may be worth keeping a serious eye on going forward.

On the under-card fans saw two unbeaten prospects extend their unbeaten runs. One of those men was the exciting Manachai Banchamek (7-0-1, 6), who stopped Singdech Laos PDR (0-1) in the 2nd round. The bout was a mismatch and although Singdech showed some heart he was battered by the aggressive and exciting Manachai.

The other prospect was Petchmanee Kokietgym (9-0, 4) who also picked up a 2nd round TKO as he beat Taosaifah Laos PDR (0-1). This was another mismatch in favour of the unbeaten man who showed touches of class, though was always far too good for Taosaifah.

South Africa
Another major shock involving a Filipino fighter occurred in South Africa where Rene Dacquel (15-5-1, 5) claimed the IBO International Super Flyweight title. The under-rated Dacquel scored two knockdowns on route to a split decision over local fighter Thembelani Nxoshe (13-6-1, 3). Coming into this one Dacque was 3-2-1 though this win will act as a major boost in

New South Wales, Australia
On a JNI promoted card in New South Wales fans saw two Asian fighters come up short.

One of those was Thailand's Paitoon Jaikom (5-16, 2) who was widely out pointed by the unbeaten Ahmed Dib (16-0, 9). Although the bout was scheduled for just 6 rounds one judge had Dib winning by 9 points, 60-51. Sadly for the Thai this defeat ends a 2 fight winning run.

The other Asian being beaten here was Aussie based Filipino veteran Aswin Cabuy (15-53-4, 7), who was shut out over 4 rounds by the unbeaten David Toussaint (6-0, 4).

New South Wales, Australia
A separate card in New South Wales saw Thai veteran Plaisakda Singwancha (38-22, 32) suffer an opening round TKO loss to Kariz Kariuki (26-11-2, 20).

District of Colombia, USA
In the US fans saw unbeaten Kazakh hopeful Shyngyskhan Tazhibay (2-0, 2) continue his perfect start with a 2nd round TKO win against the debuting Coleman Phelps (0-1). Tazhibay has been tipped as “one to watch” in some quarters though we must confess that his competition so far has told us very little about his ability or his true promise.

(Image courtesy of boxingnews.jp)

Thailand
This Friday saw only a single Asian card with action from Thailand feature two former world title challengers.

The main event of the show saw one of two notable names in action as the world class Terdsak Kokietgym (58-5-1, 38) made very light work of Roldan Aldea (9-2-1, 3). The bout, which was for the WBO interim Oriental Super Featherweight title, really looked like a mismatch from the moment it was announced, and that showed when the men were in the ring together.

The other notable name in action was the very experienced Pigmy Kokietgym (57-7-2, 23) who made very light work of Rofiq Aditya (2-2-1, 2). Aditya, from Indonesia, seemed to go down very easily though it was clear from very early on that he was never going to pose any threat to Pigmy.

A low level bout here saw Kalae McShane (3-0, 1) continue his perfect record as he he took a decision win over the very poor Singsomdech Kwanjaisrikot (1-3).

Metro Manila, Philippines
The first major action of the day came in the Philippines where promotional giant ALA Promotions put on Pinoy Pride 30. The show was the first blockbuster event from the Philippines this year and featured 4 major title bouts, including a world title contest.

The card began with the unbeaten Ralph Jhon Lulu (11-0-2, 5) struggling past the limited Gerry Patieno (4-8-2, 2) in an unconvincing performance from the unbeaten man. The bout saw Lulu take a 4 round majority decision but not really impressing anyone. The other 4 rounder on the show was much more impressive as the exciting Joepher Montano (3-0, 2) stopped Australian visitor Tyson Maher (0-2) in a really enjoyable contest. Montano may only be at the start of his career but it's clear he's going to be a lot of fun to follow, win or lose.

In an 8 rounder fans saw the heavy handed Jeson Umbal (8-3, 6) drop Eric Panza (7-4-1, 1) twice en route to a close decision win. The knockdowns were the difference between a unanimous decision win for Umbal and a majority decision draw between the two men where well matched to say the least. The other 8 rounder was less well matched as AJ Banal (33-2-1, 22) clearly and easily over-came Indonesian visitor Junior Bajawa (14-6, 7). Banal was bothered in later rounds following a headclash but dominated the fight and took home a very wide decision win.

The first of the show's title bouts saw ALA's newest international signing, Ryo Akaho (26-1-2, 18), in action. Akaho claimed the WBO International Bantamweight title with relative ease as he destroyed the under-sized and under-skilled Prosper Ankrah (24-5-0-1, 15) in the 4th round of their bout. Ankrah had some success but never enough to make Akaho respect him and it always seemed like Ankrah was fighting to survive than to win. This victory for Akaho was his 7th since he was beaten by Yota Sato in a WBC Super Flyweight title bout back in 2012 and it looks like Akaho is now ready for another shot at world honours.

Arguably the stand out performance came from promising youngster Albert Pagara (23-0, 16), who looked sensational as he defended his IBF Inter-Continental Super Bantamweight title against the heavy handed but limited Rodolfo Hernandez (26-6-1, 24). Pagara dropped Hernandez in the opening round then dominated him until the end of round 4. Hernandez then remained in his corner citing an injury with his hand, though it looked more like a case of “get me out of here” from the Mexican.

In the co-feature of the show fans saw the return to the Philippines of the popular Nonito Donaire (34-3, 22) who had a showcase win against the hapless William Prado (22-5-1, 15). Prado had only been stopped by WBA Super Bantamweight champion Scott Quigg, in 3 rounds, prior to this but Donaire dismantled him in just a couple of rounds. Prado landed little through out the bout and looked distraught every time Donaire caught him. With this win Donaire claimed the NABF Super Bantamweight title and is now expected to move towards a world title bout at Super Bantamweight.

In the main event fans saw long term world champion Donnie Nietes (35-1-4, 21) successfully retain his WBO Light Flyweight title with an impressive victory over the dangerous Gilberto Parra (19-3, 17). Nietes started fast and looked to be trying to make a statement early on. Parra saw out the early storm and fought gallantly in the middle rounds, particularly round 6. Sadly however for the challenger a knockdown in round 8 was the start of the end and he retired after the 9th round after suffering a nasty cut around the left eye. Prior to the retirement he was always looking second best and appeared to know it spending several rounds trying to avoid a fight with excellent champion.

Yucatán, Mexico
We had another world title bout in Mexico where the diminutive Rommel Asenjo (26-4, 20) took on the sensational Juan Francisco Estrada (32-2, 23). Sadly for Asenjo this never looked like it was going to go his way and although he was competitive in a very quiet opening round that was about the only positive he could take from the bout. In round 2 Estrada moved into third gear and appeared capable of battering Asenjo at will. The challenger came out for round 3 though less than a minute into the round his corner threw in the towel in a disappointing ending to the bout. The conclusion was less than great though Asenjo's face was already beginning to look a swollen mess courtesy of Estrada's power which was having an effect every time he landed.

Thailand
In a low profile show in Thailand fans got the chance to see two former world title challengers both pick up decision wins.

One of those men was Samartlek Kokietgym (20-5, 5) who over-came the experienced but limited Jack Amisa (20-35-2, 14). For Samartlek this was a third straight win since he came up short in a WBC Light Flyweight title fight against Naoya Inoue, though it seems clear that he's much more comfortable at this level

The other winner was the highly experienced Pigmy Kokietgym (56-7-2, 22) who over-came Heri Amol (35-23-4, 14). This was Pigmy's 4th bout since he came up short last year against Hekkie Budler in a WBA title fight in Monaco.

Queensland, Australia
In Australia there was a trio of Thai's in action.

The highest profile of those Thail's was Chaiyong Sithsaithong (36-13-4, 26) who came up short against Paul Fleming (20-0, 13) in a bout for the WBO Oriental Super Featherweight title. Sithsaithong managed to see out the 10 round schedule here against the talented but did see a 4-fight winning run come to an end.

In one of the main support bouts Wisanlek Sithsaithong (11-7, 7) was stopped, in 4 rounds, by Australian Jason Cooper (13-2-1, 7). For Cooper this was a 5th successive win following his 2014 loss to Qiu Xiao Jun whilst the Thai was stopped for the 5th time in his career.

Also on this card fans had the chance to see professional loser Pramool Boonpok (1-13-1) pick up another defeat as Australian fighter Reuben Aiono (2-0-1, 1) took a 5 round decision win.


(Image courtesy of boxingnews.jp)

Sawan Vegas Hotel, Suwannakhet, Laos
This past Friday saw a small profile card in Laos which was televised on Thai TV and featured a pair of title bouts as well as a bout featuring a former world title contender.

The most notable of the bouts, at least for us, was at Super Bantamweight where WBC Asian Boxing Council silver champion Kongthara KKP (7-0, 5) continued his unbeaten run with a clear decision victory over China's debuting Tan Zheng (0-1). For Kongthara this was a second successive distance bout, following his decision win over Nouldy Manakane, and it appears clear that he's proven his stamina. We're now hoping to see him step up in class as he has the ability to go a very long way.

The other title bout saw Nampetch Kwanjaisrikod (4-1, 1) retain her WBC Asian Boxing Council Continental female Light Flyweight title with a 10 round decision victory over China's 21 year old Ouyang Jianping (0-1). For Nampetch this was her second defence of the belt and although she a long, long way from being world class it is nice to see her being kept active and this was her 3rd bout in just 5 months.

The remaining bout saw former world title challenger Pigmy Kokietgym (55-7-2, 22) take a 6 round decision over the debuting Liempetchlek Sor Sekong (0-1).

Samut Prakan, Thailand
This past Friday was far from a busy day in the boxing world with only one notable Asian card, a card in Samut Prakan, Thailand.

Although the card was televised it was still a small one with only 3 bouts on it, or at least only 3 bouts on it being recorded on boxrec.com.

The most significant of those bouts saw the highly talented and hard hitting Paipharob Kokietgym (26-0, 20) successfully claim the PABA Light Flyweight title with a 12 round decision victory over Indonesian hardman Faris Nenggo (8-6-3, 2). The bout was the 4th time Paipharob had completed the 12 round distance and it was the 4th time that he looked to be shattered going in to the championship rounds. Although blessed with heavy hands Paipharob certainly needs to work on either his stamina or pacing if he's to progress to the next level.

Another Thai Vs Indonesian bout on this same card saw the highly experienced Pigmy Kokietgym (53-7-2, 22) take a decision win over popular Indonesian journeyman Samuel Tehuayo (18-25-2, 3). This bout was a mismatch on paper though Tehuayo made things interesting as he happily traded with the Thai in an entertaining contest.

The other bout on this show saw Fonluang KKP (21-1-1, 9) take a decision victory over Boido Simanjuntak (18-22-1, 7). This was the 5th successive loss for Simanjuntak whilst Fonluang is now 11-0-1 in his last 12 bouts.

Sometimes a day in boxing is insanely busy with fights coming thick and fast with bouts taking place all over the world. This past Saturday was one such day with notable fights taking place in the USA, South Africa, the Philippines, Belgium and Switzerland. If we say it was a multi-national day it really wouldn't be a lie.

California, USA
The fight of the night, at least as a spectacle, was in the US as Yoshihiro Kamegai (24-2-1, 21) and Robert Guerrero (32-2-1-2, 18) fought a bloody, violent phone booth war that lived up to the tag of being the "main event" on a major show. The two men seemed to cast aside defence and boxing and instead just stood in front of each other, breaking each other up to the body and smashing each others faces.

Despite the effort of Kamegai the judges all saw Guerrero taking the win. At the end of the day though the fans were the winners and hopefully the action and style of this fight will see Kamegai brought back to the US sooner rather than later. There are lots of fights Stateside for a guy like Kamegai to be involved in and plenty of them could be made easily and be just as entertaining as this one was.

Mote Carlo, Monaco
Whilst the fight in the US was the best of the day the "most significant", at least in the division it was fought in, was in Monaco as South Africa's popular and talented Hekkie Budler (26-1, 8) defended his WBA Minimumweight title with a stoppage of Thailand's experienced Pigmy Kokietgym (52-7-2, 22). Pigmy tried to take out Budler with big right hands though at the end of the day the South African was too sharp, too accurate and too big for the Thai who struggled to get close. Although competitive at stages Budler finished the fight in style with a devastating body attack that dropped Kokietgym for the count in round 8.

The win for Budler makes a dream fight between himself and Katsunari Takayama seem like a real possibility for either this year or early next year as long as Takayama can overcome Francisco Rodriguez Jr on August 9th. If things go as planned a bout between Takayama and Budler would be a triple title unification with the IBF, WBO and WBA belts all on the line for the winner.

Cebu, Philippines
Whilst the biggest fights too place outside of Asia there was still some action closer to home with an explosive ALA show in the Philippines.

The show was headlined by the Pagara brothers who both scored notable stoppage victories and wowed fans with their aggression and power. 

The first of the Pagara's in action was the unbeaten "Prince" Albert Pagara (21-0, 15) who made very light work of the over-matched Hugo Partida (21-5-2, 16). Partida was drown 3 times in quick succession and referee Bruce McTavish was forced to stop the bout. It was clear from the first right hand that Pagara landed that this wasn't going to last and that proved to be the case with Partida completely unable to take his power. The win for "Prince Albert" helped him claim the IBF Inter-Continental Super Bantamweight title and may well have helped the younger Pagara to a world ranking at last.

For Albert Pagara the bout was about winning a new title, for his brother Jason Pagara (34-2, 21) the fight was all about defending his WBO International Light Welterweight title, which he did with ease dropping Mario Meraz (20-4, 16) twice and forcing the referee to wave of the bout at the end of the 4th round.

The Pagara's wren't the only men to score stoppages and earlier on the card there was also a stoppage victory for the former world title contender AJ Banal (31-2-1, 22) who had to get off the canvas in the first round stop Indonesia's Defry Palulu (10-1, 9) in the second. Palulu's power looked genuine but there is still serious work to do for him however the body shot that Banal landed was a beauty and and very few would have taken it well.

The only disappointment on this show saw Jimrex Jaca (39-7-4, 22) and Masayoshi Kotake (9-8-2, 5) fighting to a 3rd round technical draw. The bout had the potential to be a show stealing war but a head clash put paid to that and the bout simply couldn't go on.

Glattbrug, Switzerland
In what, on paper, looks to have been an upset Japan's Aniya Seki (24-3-2, 2) was stopped in the second round by Mexico's Judith Rodriguez (7-7, 5). Unfortunately this bout really showed the difference between the two women despite the records suggesting the opposite. Rodriguez, despite her scratchy record, had only lost to world champions, and had often run them close. Seki however was somewhat untested and it showed when Rodriguez took the fight to her and used his very genuine power and strength.

The loss for Seki, just her second stoppage loss in 29 fights, saw her losing the WBC female Silver Super Flyweight title and quite probably her dreams of a world title fight.

Vienna, Austria
Female action wasn't just in Switzerland but also in Austria as two Thai fighters took on European opponents.

The less competitive of the bouts saw Buangern OnesongchaiGym (11-7-1, 2) suffer her third stoppage loss so far this year. Buangern was fighting against the unbeaten Oezlem Sahin (18-0-1, 6) and was stopped in the 6th round in what was a battle for the WIBF, WBF and GBU female Minimumweight titles. The loss, more than anything, summed up that Buangern isn't a championship level fighter and, rather than getting beaten again, she needs to go back to the gym and work on her skills. We all know she's not tough enough to survive with a decent fighter so will her team please stop throwing her to the wolves!

In a much more competitive contest Nonggift Onesongchaigym (6-2-1, 1) gave a great account of herself despite losing a decision to home town fighter Eva Voraberger (18-3, 9). Voraberger is a fighter we've been told was very good prior to this fight so we'd assume that Nonggift, at just 18, has a very bright future and it would be far from a surprise to see her picking up a title of some type in the near future. This bout, for the WIBF and WBF female Super Flyweight titles, might be a set back but we honestly think this loss could the the making off the Thai youngster.

(Image courtesy of boxingnews.jp)