October 3rd-Hosono and Barros battle for world title shot!

9/30/2016

Tokyo, Japan
The key show for the day is from Tokyo where Ohashi will put on their next card.

In the main event we'll see multi-time world title challenger Satoshi Hosono (32-2-1, 21) face former world champion Jonathan Victor Barros (40-4-1, 22) in an IBF Featherweight world title eliminator. The styles of these two should gel, well with Hosono being a basic pressure fighter fighter and Barros being more of a stick-and-move fighter, and with a potential world title fight up for grabs for the winner neither will be looking to do anything other than give the bout their all. This really could be a bit of a treat for fans in Tokyo.

In a key supporting bout we'll see former Japanese Super Featherweight champion Seiichi Okada (18-6-1, 11) take on Tatsuya Yanagi (11-4-1, 4) in a must win for the 34 year old veteran. Coming in to this Okada is more than 2 years removed from his last win and has gone 0-2-1 in his last 3, including a loss Masaki Saito, who has a less than 50% win record. Yanagi showed early promise, winning his first 10 bouts, but has gone 1-4-1 in his last 6 and won't be looking to roll over for for the beatable former champion.

Other supporting bouts will see the once beaten Yoshimichi Matsumoto (10-1, 8) and the unbeaten Andy Hiraoka (6-0, 3) face off against unnamed Thai visitors. For Matsumoto his bout will be a 10 round test in what is the chief support bout whilst Hiraoka will be making his ring return after more than 2 years away from the ring.

When this show was first announced Ryo Matsumoto (17-1, 15) was set to feature on it. Matsumoto was however pulled from the card a few weeks later and underwent surgery for a medical condition that had plagued him previously, and played a part in him losing unbeaten record last time out.

Unfortunately the Televised portion of this card, which we think will just be the main event, will only be shown on tape delay over the weekend.

Gwangju, South Korea
There is also set to be a KBF show though details of this one are scarce with the bouts all said to be 4 rounders except for a single 6 rounder.

October 2nd-Beppu, Sakae and Akui star on a quiet day

9/29/2016

Fukuoka, Japan
The most notable of two Japanese shows this coming Sunday comes from Fukuoka, and features two notable hopefuls.

In the main event we'll see Japanese Welterweight puncher Yuki Beppu (13-0, 13) hunt a 14th straight stoppage as he takes on a Thai foe. A win here for Beppu will almost certainly be his final step before moving into a title bout next year. Sadly unless the Thai visitor is better than most “unnamed” Thai's fighting in Japan this really isn't going to serve as any type of preparation for a title fight.

Also on this card will be Takumi Sakae (13-1-1, 8),who will look to put a bad year behind him. Sakae will be up against a Thai foe, like Beppu, but he needs a win here to stop 2016 being a total write off. He lost his unbeaten record in March, losing to Tatsuya Fukuhara in a Japanese title fight, and subsequently had a technical draw with Lito Dante in July.

Okayama, Japan
A second Japanese show comes from Okayama and will features only one bout of real interest at the Japanese domestic level.

That bouts will see the unbeaten Seigo Yuri Akui (7-0-1, 3) take on Yamato Uchinono (6-6-5, 4) in an interesting match up. Akui, the 2015 Rookie of the Year at Flyweight, is stepping up to his first 8 round. Uchinono has lost 4 of his last 5 but has mixed at a better level than the unbeaten youngster and could genuinely be a good test for a man moving up in class.

October 1st-Title fights kick off a new month!

9/28/2016

Tokyo, Japan
The most significant card for us this Saturday comes from Tokyo and will be aired on G+ in Japan.

In the main event of the show card we'll see Japanese Super Bantamweight champion Yasutaka Ishimoto (28-8, 7) battle against Gakuya Furuhashi (18-7-1, 8) in a really exciting rematch between two well matched fighters. These two fought last year, with Ishimoto winning a very competitive decision, and we favour him again here though it's a bout that should be genuinely compelling from the opening round to the final bell, and the two men will almost certainly gel well again here, as they did in their first bout.

In the chief supporting bout we'll see former world champion Akifumi Shimoda (30-5-2, 13) battle against Filipino journeyman Gadwin Tubigon (14-11-2, 9). Shimoda was last seen in December, losing in a very close Japanese Featherweight title fight against Satoshi Hosono, however he has remained in the domestic title mix and will be expecting a title fight next time out, if he over-comes Tubigon. Interestingly Tubigon has won his last 4, by stoppage, and will be riding a streak of confidence coming in to this even if he is the huge under-dog.

Another fighter looking to bounce back from a defeat is the once touted Sho Nakazawa (8-1, 4), who will be fighting for the first time since being stopped by Teiru Atsumi. That loss was a genuine upset and a real set back for Nakazawa who will be looking to bounce back as he takes on Filipino fighter Cris Leon (10-13-4, 4). Leon is a journeyman and despite scoring a couple of wins recently he shouldn't be able to last with Nakazawa, especially given that Leon has 10 stoppage losses against him already.

A big name on the under-card is Juiki Tatsuyoshi (5-0, 3), the son of Joichiro Tatsuyoshi, who will be up against Monkey Shuhei (5-8-1, 2). This will be Tatsuyoshi's second 6 rounder and should be a far better test than his first one, which saw him defeat a really poor Thai foe. Shuhei comes into this on the back of 5 losses, and just a single win in his last 8, but should be game against the 20 year old Osakan.

Arguably the most intriguing of the under-card bouts sees Teiken prospect Kenshin Oshima (1-0, 1), who has only 68 seconds of professional experience, taking on teenager Yuki Iriguchi (5-1-1, 3). Oshima made an impressive debut back in June and will be looking to build on that however Iriguchi impressed last year, going 4-0 (3) for the year. Despite a good 2015 Iriguchi has gone 0-1-1 this year and will be hoping to end that skid.

Another under-card bout will see the once beaten Masaya Tamayama (7-1, 4) take on the experienced Shohei Kanemoto (10-11-1, 3). It's hard to see anything but a win for Tamayama however he will be fighting in his first 8 rounder and could be moving on to big things in the near future.

México, Mexico
Although the Japanese card is a really interesting show the bout of the day actually looks likely to be in Mexico as WBC Female Flyweight champion Jessica Chavez (27-4-3, 4) battles 3-weight world champion Naoko Fujioka (15-1, 6). The bouts sees Fujioka attempt to become the first Japanese fighter to become a 4-weight world champion but to claim that honour she will have to defeat a fellow female fighting great. This really is a mouth watering bout, and although we know plenty don't care about female boxing they should make an exception for this bout.

Metro Manila, Philippines
Back in Asia there will also be a notable show in Metro Manila with two title bouts.

One of hose title bouts will see Cris Alfante (11-6-1, 4) battle against Roilo Golez (16-15-1, 7) in a bout for the currently vacant WBC Asian Boxing Council Continental Super Flyweight title. On paper this looks like a mismatch in favour of Alfante however the bout should be better than it looks. Despite having a moderately decent record on paper Alfante has gone 1-4-1 in his last 6 and is seriously struggling. Interestingly Golez is 2-4 in his last 6 and should put up a solid bout here, despite the disparity in records.

The other title bout here will see Danilo Gabisay (6-6, 4) take on Joe Noynay (10-1-1, 3) for the vacant WBC Asian Boxing Council Silver Featherweight title. Noynay began his career 10-0 but has suffered successive set backs this year and knows that he'll need a win here to put things back on track. On paper Gabisay should be an easy mark for Noynay and with 1 win in his last 5 it does likely that he is the “patsy” for Noynay to get back to winning ways.

A genuinely intriguing bout on this card will see Roldan Aldea (9-3-1, 3) battle former OPBF title challenger Benjie Suganob (10-5-1, 5) in a really even looking contest. Aldea has lost his last 2 bouts, though both were on the road, and will be hoping to avoid a third successive loss whilst Suganob has gone 2-3 in his last 5 but has certainly not shamed himself and could see this as a great chance to get notable win and move himself towards another top fight.

Ifugao, Philippines
A second Filipino show will be held in Ifugao. This card lacks any sort of quality and the main event will see unbeaten 17 year old Carl Jammes Martin (2-0, 2) face the limited Manny Mamacquiao (1-8-1) in what should be a straight forward win for Martin.

Berezovsky, Russia
In Russian fight fans will see Kyrgyzstan born Akzhol Sulaymanbek uulu (1-0, 1) take on a yet to be named foe

September 30th-World title action in China and OPBF silver title bouts in the Philippines!

9/27/2016

Wenzhou, China
The big action of the day comes from Wenzhou in China where fight fans will get a genuinely notable card of international note. Not only does it feature 3 of China's most notable fighters but also a world title fight between a Thai and a Panamanian based Venezuelan.

That world title bout will see WBA Super Bantamweight champion Nehomar Cermeno (24-5-1, 14) take on unbeaten Thai challenger Nop Kratingdaenggym (17-0, 5), aka Anurak Thisa, in an intriguing match up between ambitious youngster and veteran champion. The champion will be looking to record his first defense of the title he won in June, when he stopped Qiu Xiao Jun in the 12th round though at 36 he is ancient for a top level fighter. On the other hand the 25 year old Thai will be fighting outside of Thailand for the first time and will be taking a huge step up in class.

In a supporting title bout Can Xu (9-2) will be facing the unbeaten Ramiro Blanco (14-0-3, 7) in what looks like an intriguing match up. Blanco is an unbeaten Nicaraguan, fighting outside of home for the first time. Xu on the other hand is one of China's most promising young talents and despite lacking power he does look to be a diamond in the rough for Chinese boxing.

Another Chinese diamond in the rough is Qiu Xiao Jun (20-3, 9), who fights for the first time since being stopped by Cermeno. Although very rudimentary Jun has scored a number of notable wins and will be looking to add another as he faces Filipino Robert Udtohan (23-1-3, 15) here. The Filipino has a pretty good looking record but this is actually a big step up for him and he'll be the clear under-dog against the solid hitting Jun.

In a Heavyweight bout fans will see Zhang Zhilei (11-0, 7) take on the highly experienced Gogita Gorgiladze (32-13, 27) from Georgia. On paper this looks like a good step forward for Zhilei but the reality is that the visitor has a very padded record and shouldn't last long with “Big Bang”

In another China Vs Georgia bout we'll see the touted Fanlong Meng (8-0, 6) battle against Zura Mekereshvili (18-5, 14). The 28 year old Meng is tipped as a real hopeful and a win here should be his final one before moving into 10 rounders. Sadly Mekereshvili should prove to be too small to really test Meng.

Bacoor, Cavite, Philippines
As well as the big show in China there is also a notable card in the Philippines where titles will be on the line.

The two main bouts on this card are both OPBF Silver title fights and both feature a former world title challenger against an unbeaten foe. One of those fights comes at 115lbs and sees former OPBF Flyweight champion Ardin Diale (31-10-3, 15) battle Ryan Lumacad (11-0-1, 6). Coming in to this one the 44 fight Diale will be looking to show that his recent beating to Daigo Higa wasn't the start of the end. For Luamcad the bout is a potential break out opportunity and he'll be coming into this one with the belief of an unbeaten man looking for a career best win.

The other OPBF Silver title fight comes at Flyweight and sees former WBC Light Flyweight world title challenger Richard Claveras (15-2-2, 13) battle against Jeronil Borres (7-0-1, 5). Claveras is best known for losing to Pedro Guevara last year and since then has gone 3-1 (1). The 20 year old Borres is leaping up in class but will hope to have struck at the right time with Claveras showing flaws recently.

Bangkok, Thailand
The key bout from Thailand will see Eaktwan BTU Ruaviking (21-3, 14) defending his IBF regional title against Filipino puncher Jeny Boy Boca (12-3, 10) in what looks like a really intriguing match up and one not expected to see the final bell. Both of these guys can punch and both will be hoping to make the most of their power here.

Also in Thailand fight fans will see the unbeaten Downua Ruaviking (2-0, 1) battle against Thai based Cameroonian Afanwi Kingsly Shu (1-1). The Thai is tipped as a real hope and although this is a very low quality bout some are hyping him as a bright prospect already. This bout likely won't tell us much but hopefully a step up in 2017 will tell us something about the youngster.

September 28th-Action in the Philippines!

9/25/2016

Camarines Sur, Philippines
In a bout originally scheduled for the weekend fans will see Michael Dasmarinas (24-2, 16) facing off with Michael Escobia (11-12-1, 3). On paper this looks like a real mismatch however Escobia is much better than his record suggests and he has given fighters like Masaaki Serie and Koki Eto really competitive bouts, with the Eto bout coming earlier this year. Dasmarinas should win but this is no gimme.

Laguna, Philippines
There is also action from Laguna.

In the main event fans will get an interesting Light Flyweight bout between Lester Abutan (10-5-3, 5) and Mateo Handig (13-11, 7). On paper this looks like a mismatch, especially given that Handig has lost his last 6, however those 6 defeats have come to good fighters, such as Ganigan Lopez, Nawaphon Por Chokchai and Panomroonglek Kratingdaenggym. Abutan has a good record but has failed when he's stepped up in class, losing to Fahlan Sakkteerin Jr and Chanachai CP Freshmart, and as a result we suspect this will be more competitive than the records suggest.

In a supporting bout the 20 year old Robert Onggocan (6-1, 2) will face the very experienced Rodel Tejares (20-39-7, 5). Onggocan will be fighting for the third time since his sole defeat and although he has a promising looking record this is actually one of his toughest bouts so far. Tejares has gone 0-16-3 in his last 19 but could well see this as his chance to score his first win in over 4 years!

Southern Leyte, Philippines
A third show from the Philippines Marvin Tampus (27-23-3, 18) facing off with the out of form Marco Demecillo (21-5-1, 16). On paper it'd be easy to favour Demecillo however he has gone 3-5 over his last 8 bouts, dating back more than 3 years, and he is genuinely struggling to get his career back on track. For Tampus, who hasn't won in 5 years, this a great chance to get win and may be an opportunity that he will make the most of.

September 27th-Dangan 4 round card!

9/23/2016

Tokyo, Japan
After a few quiet days in Japan the action returns this coming Tuesday thanks to a small show at the Korakuen Hall courtesy of reason, the people behind the Dangan cards. The show in question isn't a big one, in fact it's a card only featuring 4 rounders, but it should provide some interesting action.

In a battle of unbeaten fighters Naoki Ogawa (1-0) will face Kai Chiba (2-0, 2). On paper this is a really intriguing match up, despite the novice status of both men. The 31 year old Ogawa debuted back in June with a 4 round decision win. Chiba has also fought 4 rounds though has stopped both of his opponents so far.

A really well matched bout on the card will see 27 year old Masafumi Ando (3-5, 2) take on Motonobu Suzuki (3-5). On paper these two aren't fighters going places but both will feel this could be a win for them and both will be entering with the intent of scoring their sixth win. We don't expect to see high skill levels but we do expect to see competitive action here.

September 24th-Busy day for Asian fight fans!

9/20/2016

California, USA
The most notable bout to feature an Asian fighter this weekend sees former-2 weight world champion Donnie Nietes (38-1-4, 22) make his long anticipated move up to Flyweight where he will kick off his campaign with a fighter against Mexican veteran Edgar Sosa (52-9, 30). The bout isn't a major test, given Viloria's recent performances at world level, but is is a solid introduction to the weight for Nietes, who will be looking to become a 3-weight champion in the near future.

In a supporting bout on the same card former world title challenger Arthur Villanueva (29-1, 15) will face Juan Jimenez (22-10, 15) in a rematch. These two men fought earlier this year with Villanueva controversially winning the bout, and the WBO Asia Pacific Bantamweight title, with a head-butt KO. Coming into this one Jimenez will be seeking revenge whilst Villanueva will be looking to win this one cleanly.

A third notable Filipino in action in the US is the touted prospect Mark Magsayo (14-0, 11), who risks his unbeaten record against Ruben Garcia (17-2-1, 7). The talented Magsayo won the WBO International Featherweight title last time out, beating Chris Avalos in a slugfest, and will be hoping to defend the belt here against Garcia. If he comes out on top then ALA might see fit to step up Magsayo and move him towards a title fight in the next 12 months or so.

Tokyo, Japan
The day is a busy on in Japan with 4 shows across the country. The most notable of which is a Dangan card in Tokyo.

The main event of the card will see Japanese Lightweight champion Nihito Arakawa (27-6-1, 16) face off against Yusuke Tsukada (8-5, 3) in what will be Arakawa's first defense of the title. The teak tough champion won the belt earlier this year, ending the reign of Kota Tokunaga, and looks like he's making a simple first defense before potentially facing Shuhei Tsuchiya.

It's worth noting that Shuhei Tsuchiya (20-4, 17) will be in one of the main supporting bout on this card as he takes on Filipino visitor Rex Olisa (11-29-1, 8). The bout is expected to be a mismatch with the bout serving almost entirely to help build for a bout between Tsuchiya and Arakawa in 2017.

Aichi, Japan
Another Japanese title bout will be held in Aichi as Shota Hayashi (27-5-1, 17) trades blows with veteran Noriyuki Ueno (18-13-5, 5) in a bout for the vacant Japanese Featherweight title, which was recently vacated by Satoshi Hosono. Coming in Hayashi will clearly be the favourite however Ueno is under-rated, knows this will almost certainly be his only chance and comes in riding a huge high after a massive upset win against Yuki Ogata last time out.

In the chief support bout Yushi Tanaka (17-1-3,11) will be facing a poor Thai opponent in what will be Tanaka's second bout since losing in a Japanese title bout against Kentaro Masuda this past March. It's hard to see Tanaka losing here but he'll be forced to step up his competition in the near future if he wants another crack at silverware.

Ibaragi, Japan
Fans in Ibaragi get a less interesting card though one headlined by the insanely tough Tatsuya Takahashi (24-6-4, 17), who faces Thai visitor Parkin Phakdeepin (1-7) in a 10 rounder. The bout, for all intents, is a mismatch but we find it impossible not to love Takahashi who has been in numerous thrillers. Although a mismatch Takahashi should make this fun.

Oita, Japan
Another low profile card comes from Oita where the main event will see Yuta Sasaki (8-8-1, 1) face off against Hyuma Fujioka (7-4-1). The bout is another less than great match up, however this one should at least be competitive with both men looking to prove they are the better fight.

Camarines Sur, Philippines
The Filipino fans also get some action, the most notable of which features the very talented and under-rated Michael Dasmarinas (24-2, 16) facing off with Michael Escobia (11-12-1, 3). On paper this looks like a real mismatch however Escobia is much better than his record suggests and he has given fighters like Masaaki Serie and Koki Eto really competitive bouts, with the Eto bout coming earlier this year. Dasmarinas should win but this is no gimme.

Rizal, Philippines
A second Filipino show is set to take place in Rizal where we get several bouts of note.

The main event of the card will see Glenn Suminguit (18-2, 9) face off against Alvin Bais (15-6-1, 4) in a bout for the vacant GAB Bantamweight title. The bout isn't the greatest one but should be a very competitive one and both men will be coming in to this one seeking a title victory. On paper it's easy to favour Suminguit, who has won his last 8, but he will be tested here in what should a relatively competitive bout.

On this card in supporting bouts are the Elorde brothers. Juan Martin Elorde (20-1-1, 8) will face off against Indonesian veteran Boido Simanjuntak (23-40-2, 9) whilst Juan Miguel Elorde (21-1, 11) will face Junior Bajawa (14-9, 7). It's hard to see either of the brothers losing here, though we do hope they will both step up a level in the near future, as neither should be tested by their inferior foes here.

Almaty, Kazakhstan
Staying in Asia there is also action in Kazakhstan where we get several bouts of note.

The most interesting bout will see unbeaten puncher Issa Akberbayev (17-0-0-1, 12) face off against fellow puncher Maik Kurzweil (17-6, 17) in a bout we don't imagine will go the distance. Although neither is near “world class” they are fighting for the GBC title and will put it on the line to hold the belt.

In an under-card bout the once beaten Russian Medzhid Bektemirov (17-1, 12) will face the highly experienced Gary Abajyan (33-27-1, 17). This will be Bektemirov's second bout since suffering a split decision loss last year to Alexander Brand. It's hard to see Abajyan holding his own here, but Bektermirov is usually fun to watch.

In another under-card bout the unbeaten Berikbay Nurymbetov (2-0) will be facing the much more experienced Valentyn Kuts (22-5-0-1, 8). Kuts has failed to win any of his last 5 bouts and we suspect that losing run will continue here against a man who is obviously backed by a very confident team.

Quintana Roo, Mexico
In Mexico we'll see the much unfancied Hirotsugu Yamamoto (19-12-2, 3) battle against former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez (61-10, 51) for the WBC International Super Featherweight title. It's hard not to favour the much more experienced Gonzalez here in what looks like a mismatch against the visitor.

California, USA
Back in California, though not on the same show as the three Filipino's, fight fans will be able to see American based Kazakh Madiyar Ashkeyev (5-0, 3) face off with fellow unbeaten Martez Jackson (3-0-2, 2). The bout looks relatively even on paper but we suspect the Kazakh will be too good and too powerful for the unbeaten American.

Quebec, Canada
Hard hitting Kazakh hopeful Batyrzhan Jukembayev (4-0-0-2, 4) will be looking to continue his reign of terror as he battles Leandro Mendes Pinto (19-9-2, 9) in a notable step up. The Kazakh destroyer has looked promising so far and should look good here, but notably Pinto has been around the clock and could teach the youngster a few new tricks. Although Pinto has avoided regular stoppages it's hard to imagine him being big enough or tough enough to last long with Jukembayev

September 23rd-Unbeaten men collide in crossroad bout

9/19/2016

Oklahoma, USA
Fight fans get a really interesting match up to begin the weekend as China's unbeaten Zhimin Wang (7-0, 3) battles against the big punching Ivan Baranchyk (11-0, 10). For both men this is a major test and a really interesting cross road bout with both fighters looking to claim a solid scalp. The 30 year old Wang is leaping up in class after defeating novices and very limited opposition whilst Baranchyk, a 23 year old American based Russian, is likely to have his stamina tested for the first time following a string of early stoppages.

September 22nd-Low level action from Osaka

9/18/2016

Osaka, Japan
There's not a lot of action on September 22nd but we do get a small show from Osaka.

In the main event fight fans will see a wonderfully well matched bout between Kenta Sugimoto (11-8-1, 1) and Atsushi Aburada (10-10, 6). The bout is certainly not a big name one or a high level one but it should prove to be an interesting bout with both fighters looking to prove they are the better man. Aburada needs a win, given he has lost 4 of his last 5 and he has the edge in power here, however Sugimoto has had a good run recently with 5 wins in his last 6, including a victory over Tetsuya Hisada. This should be really good.

In the under-card we'll seethe unbeaten Kensei Hirano (5-0, 3) move into 6 round territory to face off against Naoki Yamamoto (5-9-2, 3). The bout isn't the best on paper, especially given that Yamamoto has lost 4 of his last 5, but it is certainly a step up for Hirano who will be asked some questions here

September 21st-Ladies day at the Korakuen Hall!

9/17/2016

Tokyo, Japan
At the Korakuen Hall this coming Wednesday fight fans get the second in the “Dangan Ladies” series of shows, featuring only female fighters. The card is likely to not get a huge amount of attention internationally however for those interested in watching the action it will be shown on boxingraise on Thursday.

The main event of the card is rematch as WBO female Minimumweight champion Kumiko Seeser Ikehara (8-1-2, 3) battles against veteran Kayoko Ebata (9-6, 5). These two battled back in May 2015 with Ikehara retaining her title with a split technical decision, to record her second defense. Since the first bout the champion has recorded a third defense of the title but there are doubts about her ability to really keep a hold of the title for too long. For Ebata this will be her 5th world title challenge, having gone 0-4 so far, and at 40 years old it will almost certainly be her last one.

In a notable supporting bout we'll see OPBF #1 ranked female Super Bantamweight contender Ayumi Goto (4-0, 3) face off against a Thai opponent. This bout seems likely to be little more than a squash bout for Goto who suggested she will begin to chase OPBF champion Tomomi Takano, though in all honesty we suspect Takano will vacate rather than face the heavy handed, though untested, Goto.

The card also features another notable supporting bout, the debut of Ayako Minowa (0-0), a former Japanese stand out amateur. Minowa has impressed in her preparation for this bout, holding her own in a spar with Naoko Fujioka. The debutant will be up against Thailand's Petchpaya Mor Krungthepthonburi (0-2) in what should be a straight forward win for Minowa, if she is even close to being the fighter she was in the unpaid ranks. The real challenge for Minowa is whether or not she can stop Petchpaya, who has gone the distance with both of the main event fighters.