 Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan
To kick off a new month we have one of, if not the, best all female of the year with a show at Korakuen Hall featuring 5 title bouts, all of which are female title bouts and all of which look interesting in their own way. One of those bouts will see the touted Sumire Yamanaka (5-0, 1) take on Honoka Kano (4-0-2, 2) in a bout for the vacant Japanese Atomweight title. Of the two the more well known is Yamanaka, the younger sister of former world champion Ryuya Yamanaka, who was ear marked as one to keep an eye on when she first turned professional. As for Kano she gone under-the radar, but will see this as her chance to make a mark and leap out of the shadows. For both women this is the most notable bout of their careers so far, and the first title bout for either woman. Our preview of this bout can be read here Yamanaka and Kano battle for Japanese title A second Japanese title fight will again see unbeaten fighters clash as former amateur standouts Mizuki Hiruta (2-0) and Hinami Yanai (2-0, 1) face off for the Japanese female Flyweight title. Of the two the more proven is Hiruta, who scored a big win last time out against Terumi Nuki, however she can't afford to over-look Hanai, who's style is likely to give Hiruta real problems. Hiruta is a wonderfully talented pure boxer, but Yanai is smart, aggressive and strong, and could well have the tools to grind down Hiruta in what is a very, very well matched bout and proof that novice do not need to be protected, especially not when they are solid amateurs wanting to be fast tracked to professional success. We've previewed this bout here Hiruta and Yanai battle for Japanese title The only regional title bout on this card will see OPBF Atomweight champion Eri Matsuda (4-1-1, 1), one of the most technically schooled female boxers in the lower weights, take on the fast but technically limited Kaori Nagai (6-4-3, 2). Given the abilities of the two fighters it's hard to see Nagai really testing Matsuda, however it is worth noting that Matsuda is without a win since 2019 and this could be the perfect time for Nagai to face her. A win for Matsuda will likely secure her a third world title fight in 2023, whilst a loss will be very, very, very hard for her to come back to. As for Nagai a win here could land her a potential world title fight, though it would be a massive upset for her to beat Matsuda. Our preview of this bout can be read here OPBF champion Matsuda takes on Nagai In one of two world title bouts on this card we'll see veterans collide as Ayaka Miyao (25-9-2, 6) makes her first defense of the IBF Atomweight title, which she won earlier this year with a close decision win over Eri Matsuda. The aggressive and high tempo Miyao will be up against the technically sound, but aging, Mika Iwakawa (10-6-1, 3), herself a former WBO world champion. This is stylistically a very interesting bout, and one that leaves the winner on the verge of a unification bout, and the loser potentially looking at retirement. We've previewed this world title bout here IBF queen Miyao battles Iwakawa The other title bout on this show will see WBO Atomweight champion Nanae Suzuki (11-4-1, 1), who dethroned Iwakawa, defending her title against former WBC female Minimumweight champion Yuko Kuroki (19-7-2, 9), who is essentially fighting for her career right now. The all action Suzuki isn't someone with much power, but is a very physical fighter, who sets a high work rate, applies intense pressure and forces her opponents into a gruelling, exhausting and draining bout. As for Kuroki she's a great all round, but we suspect she will be dragged into the wrong sort of fight here, which should make this a very, very fan friendly war. Our in depth preview of this bout can be read here WBO champion Suzuki battles Kuroki
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 Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
This coming Wednesdays our attention turns to Thailand as WBC Minimumweight champion Panya Pradabsri (38-1, 23) seeks his third defense, and takes on Japanese veteran Norihito Tanaka (20-8, 10), who will be getting his second world title shot. The talented champion won the title in 2020, when he defeated Wanheng Menayothin and ended his fellow Thai's lengthy unbeaten record, sadly though since that huge win he has only defended the title twice, and hasn't really distanced himself from fellow Thai world champion Knockout CP Freshmart. Here he's taking on a former Knockout foe, and one Knockout really dominated back in 2020. As for Tanaka, the now 37 year old will know this will be his final chance to win a world title, and if he comes up short, as expected, he'll probably be retiring soon afterwards. In a supporting bout Thai teenager Rachata Khaophimai (12-2, 9) will be taking on Japan's Hyuma Fujioka (12-10-1, 1). On paper this looks like a real mismatch, with the 19 year old local having a very nice looking record, however Rachata has lost his two most notable bouts, and Fujioka is very much a step up from the quality of opponent he has been beating. As for Fujioka he comes into this on the back of good wins over Ryugo Ushijima and Ryohei Takahashi, and could well be a banana skin for the local hopeful.  Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan
This coming Tuesday we get the next show from Shisei Promotions, and whilst it's not a huge card it does feature a number of interesting match ups including a mouth watering regional title bout, a pair of well matched Japan Vs Philippines bouts, and the debut of someone worth keeping an eye on. We'll start with the interesting debut, as 25 year old Toshihiro Suzuki (0-0) kicks off his highly anticipated professional boxing career, and takes on Thai visitor Pornthep Wadngam (4-2, 3). As an amateur Suzuki went 82-22, won bronze at the Youth Championships and silver at the Nanjing Youth Olympics, and the expectations on his shoulders are huge given his success in the unpaid ranks. As for the visitor, this will be his first bout outside of Thailand, and should be regarded as a massive step up from the competition he's been facing at home. In an interesting match up between Japan and the Philippines we'll see the criminally under-rated Ryo Nakai (4-1-1, 2) take on Jess Rhey Waminal (14-5-1, 8), who needs a win right now. Nakai is one of the most under-rated hopefuls in Japan and has been really unlucky in his career so far, though has the tools to make a mark well above domestic level in the years to come. As for Waminal, the Filipino has struggled recently, losing his last 2, and 3 of his last 4, though he has been fighting at a very good level with losses coming to Pete Apolinar and Zhong Liu among others. Waminal is dangerous, despite recent form, whilst Nakai will know this is a chance to get some well over-due respect for his ability. In another Japan Vs Philippines bout we'll see 24 year old Japanese hopeful Ryuto Owan (8-1, 6) take on Filipino veteran Mark Anthony Geraldo (38-10-3, 19). Coming in to this Owan has stopped his last 3, and looked to have developed his man strength following a 2018 loss to Tetsu Araki. He looks to be heading places, and fighting out of the Shisei gym he is certainly training alongside top names. As for Geraldo the Filipino has been around the scene for years, and has shared the ring with a genuine who's who. He lost last time out to Carl Jammes Martin, but did give Martin a really good test over 12 rounds, and we're expecting something similar here for Owan. In the main event we'll see Yoshimitsu Kimura (13-2-1, 8) faces former foe Kanehiro Nakagawa (11-6, 5) for the WBO Asia Pacific Super Featherweight title. The talented Kimura is looking to build on a big win last time out against Kosuke Saka, and put some disappointment behind him, following a bout with Samir Ziani falling through. He will enter as the favourite, and be looking for a repeat of a previous win over Nakagawa. As for Nakagawa he really built himself following that loss to Kimura, and has gone 7-1 since that defeat, and will feel full of confidence as he seeks revenge. The bout might not be a huge one, but it's one that has the potential to be something a little bit special, and a real war, given the mentalities of the two men involved. Our full preview of this bout can be read here Kimura and Nakagawa battle for regional title! Marban Boxing Gym, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
On Sunday we get a card in Misamis Oriental, with two minor title bouts on it, though sadly both bouts appear to be mismatches with touted prospects taking on very, very limited, though experienced, foes. One of those title bouts will see the hard hitting Eldin Guinahon (7-0, 7) take on the very limited Mike Kinaadman (7-16-2, 5), in a bout for the UBO Flyweight title. The 22 year old Guinahon looks like a genuine prospect in the making, and a good win against Dexter Alimento in June show there was more than just power with him. As for Kinaadman, he has been stopped in 7 of his 16 losses and it's hard to imagine him living long with the power of Guinahon. In another UBO title fight we'll see the unbeaten James Pagaling (6-0, 3) take on Macrea Gandionco (13-12-3, 8), in a bout for the Super Bantamweight title. Pagaling might not live up to the "Dynamite" nickname he's been given, but he is very much a promising hopeful with the potential to mix it up at a much, much higher level than he has so far. Sadly Gandionco has seen his career completely fall apart, after a promising start. He was once 10-0-1, but since then has gone 3-12-2 and he appears to have lost much of the desire he showed early on. In fact he seems very much like a fighter who pads the records of others now a days, and we suspect that's what we'll see again here. Dasmarinas City, Cavite, Philippines A second Filipino show has much the same appeal as the other card, with prospects taking on limited opponents in what look like record padding bouts, rather than real contests. One of the prospects on this card is Ryan James Racaza (12-0, 8) , who faces off with the very limited Jimmy Borbon (7-11-4, 4). The 25 year old Racaza has needed less than 3.5 rounds, on average, to record his wins to date, and has stopped 4 of his last 5. Borbon on the other hand has been stopped 5 times in his 22 fight career, and is more than 4 years removed from his last win, which came against Christian Saga back in 2018. This really is little more than a squash match for Racaza. In another bout on this card Aiman Abu bakar (9-1, 4), from Malaysia, takes on JR Magboo (18-6-2, 9). Abu bakar was beaten last time out, by Asad Asif Khan, and in fairness to him he's being matched pretty hard here against the solid Magboo, who is a tough ask, when he can take opponents power. Sadly coming in to this Magboo has been stopped in his last 3, and 4 of his last 5, and we dare say his ambition is pretty much gone. If there is some hunger there however Magboo could be a banana skin here. KBS Hall, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan As well as the two Filipino shows we also have a small card in Japan, which lacks notable names but does have two interesting 6 rounders scheduled for it. One of those will see the inform Daichi Morino (4-1, 3) look to continue his winning run as he takes on Katsuki Matsuura (6-5-1, 1). The promising Morino has won 4 in a row since suffering a majority decision loss on his debut, and whilst his competition hasn't been too notable he has shown good potential and is moving onwards and upwards with his career. As for Matsuura his record is a mess, but he has run opponents close in a number of those losses and is certainly better than his record suggests. Morino should win, but we do feel like he will need to work for the victory here. In a really good supporting bout we'll see two debutants clash in a 6 rounder, as Rei Nakano (0-0) battles against Takeshi Uezu (0-0) in a Middleweight clash. The 21 year old Nakano went 22-5 in the unpaid ranks and is regarded as a really promising youngster, with Futur Promotions signing him, and looking to show case him here. Uezu on the other hand is part of Koki Kameda's KWORLD3 gym and went a solid 33-13 in the amateurs. We always love to see these ultra rare debutant vs debutant 6 rounders, and we expect this one will deliver, as these types of bouts always do.  Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan
This coming Saturday attention will be on Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, for a really interesting Ohashi Gym card, headlined by a regional title bout and featuring several notable prospects on the under-card, along with a battle of veterans. The main event of the card will see the highly skilled Pete Apolinar (16-2, 10) look to make his first defense of the OPBF Super Bantamweight title, as he takes on hard hitting Japanese hopeful Yoshiki Takei (4-0, 4). The talented champion, from the Philippines, won the title in April, with an excellent KO win over Jhunriel Ramonal, but he will be up against someone who is looking to prove a point and has already shown scary power since making his professional debut in March 2021. Of the two men the more technically schooled if Apolinar, who has a slippery style and 109 rounds to his name, however he has been stopped twice and Takei is building a reputation as a brutish puncher, taking just 5 rounds to win his first 4 bouts. If Takei can't finish this one early it will a very, very interesting contest. Our preview of this out can be read here OPBF champion Apolinar faces hard hitting hopeful Takei The aforementioned battle of veterans will see 43 year old Ribo Takahata (17-10-1, 7) take on 40 year old former Japanese Super Featherweight champion Seiichi Okada (22-7-2, 13), in a bout where the loser will almost certainly retire, and the winner may well make the same decision. Takahata enters the bout on the back of 2 stoppage losses in his last 3 bouts, but is a tough, awkward fighter with a relaxed style, sadly however his style does depend on him still having good reactions and they have stated to face. As for Okada, he's 1-1-1 in his last 3, but those bouts date 4 years years now, and he's a long way from being the fighter he once was. The really does have the feeling of two men battling to end their careers. One of the notable prospects on the under-card is the very highly regarded Taiga Imanaga (1-0, 1), who returns to the ring just 2 months after his professional debut. The highly touted Imanaga, who is tipped for major success in the professional ranks, will be facing off with Filipino visitor John Lawrence Ordonio (7-3-1, 4), who will be making his Japanese debut. Imanaga was a stand out amateur, who has been viewed as part of the next generation of stars from the Ohashi Gym, and this is a credible step up for him, against a man who could easily be 10-1, with his only decisive loss coming to the hard hitting Antonio Siesmundo in April. Another highly regarded young hopeful is Kaiyu Toyoshima (1-0), who debuted last October, with a good win over Shohei Horii, and will now be looking to over-come fellow novice Akkhaphon Ngamkaeo (1-0, 1), from Thailand. Toyoshima was a solid amateur and is tipped for notable success in the professional ranks, despite the relative slow start to his career, and he an his team will feel he'll be the comfortable winner here, against the teenage Thai traveller. New Delhi, India As well as the show in Japan there is also a smaller card in India, taking place in New Delhi. The most noteworthy bout on this card will see Gaurav (7-1, 4) take on Saurabh Kumar (6-0, 3), in a rematch of a bout the two men had back in January. In their first bout Kumar took a split decision over Gaurav, to give him his sole loss, and it's fair to say that history between the two men could well fuel this bout. Guarav has fought once since then, picking up a rather pointless win in July, whilst Kumar has notched two wins, and has managed to pick up some meaningful ring time. In a 6 rounder we'll see Honey (2-1) take on Keisham Luckyson Singh (4-0, 4), with the 21 year old Singh being favoured here. Honey's loss came in 2019, when he was stopped, and whilst Singh might not be a star in the making he can certainly punch, as we suspect we'll see here.  Jeddah Superdome, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
The most notable bout to feature an Asian fighter this coming Saturday will be in Saudi Arabia, where hard hitting Chinese Giant Zhilei Zhang (24-0-1, 19) takes on touted Croatian hopeful Filip Hrgovic (14-0, 12) in an IBF Heavyweight world title eliminator. The bout was set to take place earlier in the year, before Hrgovic had to pull out, and in many ways the rescheduling makes this more intriguing, with the bout being held on a bigger stage. The 39 year old Zhang is a heavy handed giant of a man with surprising hand speed for a man his age and size, however he has been hurt before and has shown questionable stamina at times. As for Hrgovic, the 30 year old has long promised to be something special in the Heavyweight division, but has failed to live up to that promise so far. Both men can punch and both will know a future world title shot is on the line for them, however both will also know that a loss here will leave their career in tatters. Expect this to be tense, with a sense that one punch, either way, could decide the fight, at any time. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Hollywood, Florida, USA In the US we see former world champion Sergey Lipinets (16-2-1, 12) take on Paraguayan fighter Carlos Manuel Portillo (22-4, 17). Lipinets, a Kazakh puncher, is looking to get his career back on track after back to back set backs. He will be strongly favoured here, but we do need to wonder what inactivity and the set backs to Custio Clayton and Jaron Ennis, in 2020 and 2021, will have done to him. As for Portillo he has lost his last 3 and 4 of his last 5, including 3 early stoppages losses. This really should be an easy win for Lipinets who will be looking to rebuild some of his confidence and shake some ring rust. The Melbourne Pavilion, Flemington, Victoria, Australia In Australia we'll see a battle of former world champions as former WBO female Super Flyweight champion Tomoko Okuda (7-3-2, 1) takes on former IBF female Bantamweight Susie Ramadan (28-3, 12), in a real must win for both fighters. Ramadan is the more proven and the more established, but at 43 years old and with just 1 bout since 2019 it's really hard to know what she has in the tank. In saying that Ramadan is at home and Okuda, who herself is 39, will be fighting outside of Japan for the first time, who will also be fighting for the first time since losing her WBO title to Miyo Yoshida, in June 2021. Okuda should have a little bit of extra freshness, but we're not sure if that can over-come the power of Ramadan or the fact the bout is on the road. Hanoi, Vietnam We also have a small show in Vietnam as Trigger boxing put on a very, very low key card in Hanoi. The bouts listed for this, at the time of writing, are all 4 rounder with only Tran Minh Tri Pham (1-0) having any recorded experience, and that being a solitary fighter in January for the 17 year old. He will be taking on the debuting Van Tien Vo (0-0) in a 4 rounder. Outside of that bout the others fighters on the show are all making their debuts. Lake Event, Samut Prakan, Thailand
This coming Friday our attention turns to Thailand for an interesting card featuring two of the most promising Thai prospects, as well the ring of a former world title challenger, in what is very much a gimmie bout bout after more than a year out of the ring. The main event is a genuine great one as unbeaten Thai hopeful Nattapong Jankaew (10-0, 6), one of the more naturally skilled Thai's out there, takes on under-rated Filipino Adrian Lerasan (11-4, 4). The bout will be for Jankaew's WBA Asia Super Flyweight title, which he will be looking to defend for the second time. The Thai has proven to be a truly skilled fighter with a lot promise, but someone who has, at times, not fully performed to his ability, and has gone through the motions at times, when really he should have been showing what he can do. If he looks to cruise here he could be in a lot of problems. On paper Lerasan is nothing special however he has won his last 4 by stoppage, including 3 wins in Thailand over much fancied prospects, stopping Tanes Ongjunta and Phongsaphon Panyakum, and he has already shown Thai hopefuls not to over-look him. This is a potential banana skin for Jankaew, who should win, but will have to take Lerasan seriously. Another unbeaten hopeful on this card is the 20 year old Chaiyapong Phongwankittikun (6-0, 6) who will be stepping up massively, as he takes on veteran Aekkawee Kaewmanee (24-18, 12). The youngster is looking for his third win of the year, and is clearly making up for lost time having not fought at all in 2021, but to date his wins have come against very, very limited opponents, and he has taken them out early on, with no one lasting more than 4 rounds with him. Kaewmanee is a proper veteran, who has been around 2013, but he is now 40 and has lost 5 of his last 6. He's still racking in bouts, and this will be his 6 of the year, but he lacks any ambition and the real question is how long will be survive with the youngster The former world title challenger on this card is Komgrich Nantapech (30-5, 21), aka Eaktwan BTU Ruaviking, who came up short against Donnie Nietes in 2017 and Juan Carlos Reveco that same year, but has reeled off an 8 fight winning runs since then. Sadly Komgrich has been out of the ring since March 2021, and rather than taking on someone testing he will be up against Thawi Chaisat (0-13), a very limited who has been stopped 13 times in just 32 rounds. Komgrich shouldn't break a sweat here, but sadly this is the 6th straight bout against a limited local foe, and we really hope he faces someone more meaningful next time out. Balbir Singh Juneja Stadium, Chattisgarh, India
This coming Wednesday there is some very notable action in India, where several of the biggest names in Indian boxing will be in action. The biggest of the bouts on this show is set to be the comeback of former amateur standout Vijender Singh (12-1, 8), who will be fighting for the first time since losing to Artysh Lopsan back in March 2021. In the opposite corner to the 36 year old Singh will be the unbeaten Eliasu Sulley (8-0, 8), from Ghana, who fights for the first time since December 2020, and only the second time since 2017. At his best Singh was a fringe top 15 type of fighter, who had plenty to off, but at 36 this feels like something of a farewell bout, to end his career on a win. Sulley's record looks good on paper, but his 8 wins have come against opponents with a combined 7 wins and 73 losses, which suggests he's incredibly limited. The unbeaten Karthik Kumar (8-0, 3) will be seeking his first win of the year as he takes on fellow Indian Ashish Sharma (2-1). Kumar has been unbeaten since debuting in 2019, and has stepped up well, with his last bout being a good win over Hero Tito, which showed there was some genuine talent with Kumar. As for Sharma, he has won his last two, after losing on debut, but his competition has been really limited so far and this is a big step up for him. A third bout of note will see 21 year old hopeful Faizan Anwar (12-0, 5) battle against the out of form Sachin Nautiyal (6-2, 5), who has been stopped in 2 of his last 3. Anwar is one of the better Indian prospects, but amazingly this will actually be his Indian debut, with all of his bouts taking place outside of his homeland, with most taking place in Dubai. As for Nautiyal his wins so far have come against novices, all in India, whilst his two losses have come away from home. It's hard to imagine Anwar being really tested here, but Nautiyal is danger and has stopped 5 opponents in the first 2 rounds.  EDION Arena Osaka, Osaka, Osaka, Japan
This coming Sunday is a big day in Japan with 3 different shows, the most notable of which is a title double header in Osaka, promoted by former Japanese star Koki Kameda. The main event here will see a 4th Japanese Heavyweight champion being crowned as the highly touted Brandon Mitsuro Tajima (1-0, 1) faces Korean fighter Sung Min Lee (7-2-1, 2) for the vacant title. Tajima made his long awaited debut earlier this year, but it was little more than a cameo as he dismantled Sang Ho Kim in 56 seconds. He will be hoping for a chance to show more of his ability here, though unfortunately Lee isn't the most testing of opponents, and in fact Lee is coming in to this on the back of an upset loss to Ja Sung Jo. Lee has proven to be tough and have heart, but this is a huge ask for him against a man many in Japan are very, very excited about. Our preview of this clash can be read here Tajima and Lee battle to become 4th Japanese Heavyweight champion The other title bout on this show will see OPBF Super Featherweight champion Masanori Rikiishi (11-1, 6) defending his title against aggressive and hard hitting Filipino warrior Tomjune Mangubat (15-3-1, 12). For Rikiishi the bout will serve as his first defense of the title, which he won last time out with a very impressive win against Takuya Watanaba, and he will feel he has the tools and boxing IQ to neutralise Mangubat. As for the Filipino he'll be determined to make the most of this opportunity, especially given a loss last time out to unbeaten hopeful Charly Suarez. If Mangubat can get success with his pressure this will be a very tough bout Rikiishi, but that's a big if. Our preview of this contest can be read here OPBF champion Rikiishi defends against Filipino warrior Mangubat! Outside of the two title bouts the big talking point of the show will be the professional boxing debut of 2008 Olympic gold medal winning Judoka Satoshi Ishii (0-0), who turns his hand to professional boxing at the age of 35. The former Judo star will be looking to secure a win in boxing as he takes on 30 year old novice Shuho Takayama (1-0, 1), in a 4 round Heavyweight bout. Interestingly Ishii has had success not just in Judo, where he was a genuine star, but also MMA and Kick boxing, and he is a well experienced combat sports practitioner, but we do wonder if it's too late for the Croatian based Japanese born fighter to make any sort of impact in professional boxing. In a must win bout we'll see two former world title challengers face off as Hiroshige Osawa (37-5-4, 21) takes on Jeo Santisima (21-4, 18). Aged 37 Osawa is coming to the end of his career, and he's only fought once since the start of 2020, scoring a technical decision over Yoshiyuki Takabayashi last September. At his best Osawa was a solid regional level fighter, but given his age and inactivity it's hard to imagine him being even a shadow of the fighter he once was. As for Santisima he fought for a world title in 2020, and is 2-1 since losing in that title fight. Early in his career he looked explosive and powerful but when he's stepped he has looked limited and despite only being 26 it does feel like he's found his ceiling and is on the slide. We suspect Santisima is getting to Osawa at the the right point here, but this is certainly a hard one to call and Osawa might have one great performance left in the tank. One other really notable bout on this card will see former world champion Ryo Miyazaki (26-2-3, 16), compete in the third bout of his on going comeback. On paper this is a big step up for Miyazaki as he takes on Azael Villar (18-1-3, 14), from Panama. Miyazaki, at his best, was a brilliant warrior, who had under-rated power, real toughness and great work rate, but at 33 he is old for a smaller weight fighter and it's hard to know how much he has left in the tank, even if he is something of a "young" 33. Villar on the other hand is 28 and has world rankings from 3 of the world title bouts, but this is a step up fir Villar, who has been beating low level fighters so far through his career. Given the styles of the two men, this should be a very, very fun and fan friendly bout. One other under-card bout of note will see 2020 Rookie of the Year winner Sora Fukunaga (10-0, 5) clash with 2014 Rookie of the Year winner Kenya Yamashita (14-5, 11), in what should be a thrilling bout. Although Yamashita is flawed he is always worth watching with an ultra aggressive style, and we suspect he could ask questions of Fukunaga, who is looking to record arguably his most notable win to date. This should genuinely be a very, very exciting match up, albeit one without a major name involved in it. Central Gym, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan A second notable show takes place in Hyogo, and will be headlined by a former world champion taking on a former multi-time world title challenger, whilst the supporting card features two solid Japan Vs Philippines bouts. The main event is a really dangerous one for former WBO Minimumweight champion Ryuya Yamanaka (17-3, 6), who only returned to the sport earlier this year following a brain injury several years ago in his loss to Vic Saludar. The talented Yamanaka was expected to ease his way back into the sport, taking on a few easier opponents before stepping up in class. He however has taken a different approach and will take on hard hitting former 2-time world title challenger Jonathan Taconing (29-4-1, 22), of the Philippines. Given Yamanaka's previous injury this is a very, very risky bout against a flawed but aggressive and hard hitting fighter and there is a real feeling of danger here for Yamanaka. If he wins however the rewards are a potential world title fight in 2023, marking what would be one of the most impressive comebacks in the sport in recent years. A very notable 8 rounder on this card will see the unbeaten Kazuki Anaguchi (2-0, 2) step up in class to face his first international opponent, as he battles Filipino Ranelio Quizo (10-2, 3). Since making his debut, just over a year ago, Anaguchi has looked like the sort of fighter who will be fast tracked, and despite only having 6 professional rounds to his name he looks a potential title holder, at least on the regional or domestic level. As for Quizo he comes into this bout on 3 straight wins, including a 7th round TKO win over Philip Luis Cuerdo last time out, a bout that was longer than Anaguchi's entire career. Quizo has the tools to ask questions of Anaguchi, but we do feel the local fighter will take this opportunity to shine. A third bout of note on this card will see bombs being thrown as visiting Filipino Jun Blazo (16-6-3, 12) takes on charismatic Japanese switch hitter Takahiro Tai (3-1, 3). The heavy handed Blazo has been a professional since 2014 and has proven to be a very dangerous fighter, even on his travels, famously dropping Koki Eto in 2016. Sadly for Blazo he enters this bout 0-5 in bouts in Japan, but he will perhaps feel this is a chance to score his first win on Japanese soil. As for Tai he's aggressive but flawed and whilst he certainly not a polished fighter, he is very entertaining, takes risks and tries to behead opponents. Expect this one to be a brutal and explosive war. Aioi Hall, Kariya, Aichi, Japan As well as the notable shows in Osaka and Hyogo we are also have the Central Japan Rookie of the Year finals. Sadly Central is over an over-looked region of Japan and with the show coming on the same day as two other notable cards it's even easier to over-look this card. One of the more notable bouts on this card will be at Super Bantamweight, as the once beaten Junya Kawai (3-1, 1) takes on the unbeaten Ken Shioda (4-0, 2). Aged 31, Kawai has won his last two bouts and bounced back well from a 2021 loss to Shunsuke Bunno, however there are question marks regarding his long term future in the sport, given he's now 31 and actually debuted all the way back in 2015. As for Shioda he debuted in May 2021 and has been active, with 4 wins in around 15 months, and he will feel his activity and age, given he's only 28, will play a role here in what should be a great fight. Another bout worthy of some attention is a clash between young Minimumweights, as 19 year old Rento Miyazawa (2-1, 1) faces 18 year old Seiya Imai (2-0) in a rematch of a bout we had last November. The older man debuted in July 2021 and won his debut before losing his second bout, to the then debuting Imai. Coming in this Miyazawa will be looking to avenge that loss, whilst Imai will bee looking to repeat his win over his fellow youngster.  Sumiyoshi Ward Center, Osaka, Osaka, Japan
This coming Thursdays attention turns to the Sumiyoshi Ward Center in Osaka, for a small yet notable show, with a recent title contender in action and an unbeaten hopeful. The most notable man on the card is Akio Furutani (9-5, 3) who lost a competitive decision to Masayoshi Hashizume in a bout for the OPBF and WBO Asia Pacific titles in February. The talented Furutani, who is much better than his record suggests, will be taking on Hiroki Yajima (9-11-3, 4), who has lost his last 4 but competed at a good level with bouts against the likes of Ayato Hiromoto and Hayate Kaji. The bouts appears lined up as a confidence win of Furutani, in front of his home fans in Osaka, and he should be strongly favoured here, but Yajima is tough and doesn't get stopped often, so will put up some resistance here and make Furutani work for his win. The other bout sees unbeaten hopeful Riku Yamashita (6-0-1, 3) look to build on his success in Rookie of the Year last year, where he reached the final before needing to pull out, as he takes on Daichi Hirai (5-2, 1). The 22 year old Yamashita does look like a genuine talent, and has won his last 4, following a draw in 2019 with Takahiro Yui, however he has been out of the ring since November and did have to pull out of his All Japan Rookie of the Year final, and will be moving up in weight for this bout. As for Hirai, who's a speedy switch hitter, who reached the All Japan Rookie of the Year final, and lost to Shori Umezu in February. Notably Hirai is the natural Bantamweight here, and will be desperate to get back to winning ways after the loss to Umezu. This should be a really well fought and highly contested 6 rounder. |
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