 This coming Saturday we get plenty of interesting action, with solid shows in Tokyo, Metro Manila and Bangkok.
Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan The Japanese show is the latest in the successful "WHO'S NEXT DYNAMIC GLOVE on U-NEXT" series and has a nice solid mix of bouts on the show. The main event will see Japanese Lightweight champion Hironori Mishiro (16-1-1, 5) seek his second defense, and score his third win of 2024 , as he takes on former Japanese Featherweight champion Hinata Maruta (14-2-1, 10), who continues to try and fulfil his incredible potential. Mishiro won the title in in April, when he beat Shuma Nakazato, to claim his second major professional belt, having previously held the OPBF Super Featherweight title, and he looks to be settling in very well at 135lbs after a technical decision loss to Min Jo Jun in South Korea in 2023. As for Maruta, he was once tipped as a future star and looked sensational at times early in his career, but has struggled to put things together despite winning the Japanese Featherweight title with a very impressive win over Ryo Sagawa in 2021. He has had his frame fill out, after debuting as a skinny Bantamweight, but this is his first real test since moving to Lightweight last year. Aged just 27 Maruta is still young enough for things to click and for him to have the sensational performances many were expecting but another set back here could well end those hopes. In a major supporting bout former Japanese Light Welterweight champion Homura Fujita (12-2, 10) takes on Yangcheng Jin (13-9-2, 7) in one of a number of Japan Vs China bouts on this card. The hard hitting Fujita will be fighting for the first time since losing the Japanese title to Kuntae Lee in April, a loss that ended a 7 fight winning streak. He’s aggressive and heavy handed, and was very crude early in his career but he has developed really well since his first loss, Kodai Honda in the All Japan Rookie of the Year final, and is now a very solid domestic level boxer-puncher. As for Jin the Chinese 36 year old is a rugged visitor, who has only been stopped once, way back in 2018 by Alexander Kotov, but has lost 3 of his last 5. He has got mixed success on the road, which includes a win in his only previously bout in Japan, nack in 2019 against Ukyo Yoshigai. Another of the Japan Vs China bouts will see the very highly regarded Hiroki Horiike (3-0, 2) take on Qi Yin Gao (7-4, 5), in what is Horiike's third bout against a Chinese fighter. Horiike looks t be one of the brightest young prospects in Japan, with the 23 year old 140lb'der looking like he has all the tools to go a long way. Last time out he was given a good 8 round work out by LeQuan Wang, the sort of test all prospects need, and whilst this is a step backwards from that fight, it will serve as a chance for him to show what he has learned since September. As for Gao the 29 year old is no world beater, he has lost his last 2, and 3 of is last 6, and been stopped twice in his 4 losses, but has been selected as the opponent to try and take Horiike rounds, rather than treat to beat the young local. Another unbeaten Japanese fighter on this card taking on a Chinese visitor is Reito Takahashi (2-0, 2), who takes on Guoqi Chu (8-4, 4). Takahashi, also 23, is a Lightweight prospect who has already looked sensational despite only making his debut in April. This will be his third bout in 8 months, and so far both of his bouts have finished in round 3, including a good win over Al Toyogon back in August. Sadly Chu is more of a lateral step than a step up from Toyogon, but can't be overlooked, given he has some momentum on the back of 3 straight wins, 2 of which have come on the road and the other coming against an unbeaten hopeful. We expect Chu to come with some ambition, but not have the tools needed to really test Takahashi. Elorde Sports Center, Paranaque City, Metro Manila, Philippines Over in the Philippines we have a really long looking show, with a lot of bouts on it, but overall a lack of quality in the match ups. Thankfully we do have 2 bouts worthy of some real attention The most notable of the fighters on the card is former amateur standout Criztian Pitt Laurente (12-0, 7), who was tipped for big things when he turned professional though has failed to live up to those expectations so far. Laurente will be seeking win #13 when he takes on Alven Vergara (8-2-1, 6). Aged just 24 Laurente has time on his side, despite only fighting once since the start of 2023, he has good domestic wins against Ernesto Saulong, Ernie Sanchez, Richard Bulacan and JR Magboo, but really will be hoping to kick on next year, and make the most of his potential. As for Vegara, the 27 year old is something of a glass cannon, with only 3 of his bouts going the distance. Sadly for him, he has had his chin exposed twice as a low level, and it'd be a real surprise to see him giving Laurente a tough test here. Another noteworthy fighter on this card is the once beaten Jahzeel Trinidad (11-1, 6), who is looking to bounce back from a loss, in July, to current world champion Shokichi Iwata as he takes on Christian Gagarin (4-2-1, 3). Trinidad wasn’t good enough for Iwata, though Iwata is one of the best at 108lbs right now, but had scored solid wins domestically and is a real nasty puncher, who has really had to fight domestic Flyweights to get good rounds under his belt. Although on paper Gagarin might not look a worthy test for Trinidad, his performances so far do suggest he could be a potential banana skin, having never been stopped, with both of his losses being super close decisions, and he has a win over former Japanese amateur standout Ryusei Baba. This is not the easy bout for Trinidad that it looks at first glance. Spaceplus Bangkok RCA, Bangkok, Thailand Over in Thailand TL Promotions put on a card headlined by Arnon Yupang (15-5, 6), who defends his minor regional title against Indian challenger Baljeet Singh (8-3, 7). The 27 year old Yupang, looking to make his first defense of the ABF Super Featherweight title, won his first 5 and 8 of his first 9, but has since gone 7-4, losing to decent fighters, like Jeo Santisima, Tsubasa Narai and Virgel Vitor. We know his level is under genuine regional level, but he’s not actually a bad fighter. As for Singh, the Indian looks like a heavy handed fighter on paper, with 7 KO’s in 8 wins, notably however his opposition has been terrible, Jackson Griffiths aside though Griffiths did stop him in 2 rounds, with almost all of his wins coming against novices with losing records, many of which are winless.
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 This coming Saturday is set to be one of the busiest days of the month for Asian fighter fans, with a world title fight in Australia and fights across much of Asia, including some very notable names with a former unified world champion in action in Cambodia and some of the hottest prospects in Japan in action in Tokyo.
HBF Arena, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia The most notable show of the day is in Australia, where we see a long reigning world champion in action as well as a hopeful from China. The main bout of the day will see WBA Minimumweight champion Knockout CP Freshmart (24-0, 9), aka Thammanoon Niyomtrong, defending his title against fast rising Australian fighter Alex Winwood (4-0, 2), who has shown a willingness to risk his 0 in a high risk high reward move. The 33 year old Thai champion has long been regarded as one of the best fighters at 105lbs, but has also been one of the most frustrating fighters in the sport, having not fought since 2022 when he beat Wanheng Menayothin. At his best he was a reliable, talented, strong champion, who’s record is littered with good to very good wins, including wins over Carlos Buitrago, Byron Rojas, Rey Loreto, and Wanheng. Sadly though with 2 years of inactivity, and now edging to his 34th birthday it’s hard to know what he still has to offer the sport. As for Winwood, the Australian is everything we love about boxing, being aggressively fast tracked to the top, and proving himself on his way there, with notable wins over Tibo Monabesa and Cris Ganoza in his first 4 bouts. He certainly hasn’t look unbeatable, but has developed with every fight and could well be the next man to mount a challenge as the king of the division. He has youth, speed, activity on his side and home advantage, but Knockout isn’t a slouch and this should make for a brilliant match up. On the same card is Runqi Zhou (6-2-1, 2) as he takes on hard hitting local Richard Lockett (5-2, 4). Zhou is a 24 year old from China who began his career 6-0, with wins on the road against Surat Eaim ong and Sang Hoen Oh, but has failed to win his last 3, including a draw in a rematch with Oh and a loss to Mirazizbek Mirzakhalilov in Uzbekistan Although no world beater he travels to win and will put in a genuine effort here as the visitor. As for Lockett he is, on paper, the one stepping up here, after a very stop-start career so far, with this only being his 4th bout since 2020. Locket seems to have power on his side, with 4 wins inside 4 rounds, but at such a low level that it’s hard to read much into them. This is a good match up, between two fighters who will each see this as a chance to open a door to bigger and better things. Phnom Penh, Cambodia Outside of the show in Australia it’s hard to know which bout is the most significant, but what is clear is who is the best established fighter, with that being former Bantamweight world champion and unified Super Bantamweight champion Marlon Tapales (38-4, 20). Tapales will be looking to score his second win since being stopped by Naoya Inoue late last year and record his first defense of the WBC Asian Continental Super Bantamweight title, as he takes on Indian fighter Saurabh Kumar (11-1-1, 6). The often under-rated Tapales shouldn’t struggle here, given the level he’s shown he’s capable of, but it’ll be interesting to see how Cambodia treats the “Nightmare”. As for Kumar this isn’t so much a step up in class, but a rocket powered blast through the levels with his most notable bout so far being a 7th round TKO loss to Zhong Liu. Korakuen Hall, Tokyo The other more notably bouts take place at Korakuen Hall, with two title fights by rising Japanese hopefuls, and three unbeaten prospects on the under-card. The main event will see Kuntae Lee (7-0-1, 2) make his first defense of the Japanese 140lb title as he takes on Ryan Joshua Yamamoto (7-6, 1). On paper this is a huge step down for Lee, who beat Homura Fujita for the title in April and has already scored good domestic wins against Cristiano Aoqui and Aso Ishiwaki. Despite that it’s clear that Lee is still a work in progress and this is clearly about letting him get rounds and develop as a champion. As for Yamamoto he is better than his record suggests, but is certainly not one of the strongest domestic contenders and whilst we suspect he will put up a very genuine effort, it’d be a shock to see him be competitive with the highly skilled Lee. A second title fight will see the very highly touted Mikito Nakano (10-0, 9) take on the once beaten Filipino Bryx Piala (9-1, 3) in a bout for the OPBF Featherweight title. Nakano has looked like a star since very early in his career, but given the depth at Featherweight he has had to take a slow climb to a title fight. He has shown great power, speed and skill but is still clearly a work in progress. As for Piala he has rebuilt excellently since a 2022 loss to Rhonvex Capuloy, thanks to solid domestic wins over Jhunriel Ramonal and Ken Jordan. Nakano will be strongly favoured, but we suspect he will have to work hard for a win here. In other bouts on this card we’ll see Hyoga Miyata (3-0, 1) take on Takara Kawaguchi (8-0-1, 5) in a mouth watering bout and a very good match up between Junya Shimada (6-0-1, 2) and Jiaming Li (5-3, 2). Spaceplus Bangkok RCA, Bangkok Over in Thailand we’ll get a low level regional title bout along with a bout featuring a Pakistani fighter taking on a veteran from Ghana. The title bout will see Arnon Yupang (14-5, 5) face off with Walid Halima Salem (5-2, 4) in a bout for the lightly regarded Asian Boxing Federation Super Featherweight title. Yupang, at one point, looked like one of the few bright hopes on the Thai scene, but has gone 6-4 in his last 10 bouts and it seems clear that his level has been found, and it’s a long way off world class. As for Salem he is a Thai based Algerian fighter who has been a regular feature on the Bangkok stage since since his 2022 debut, though has lost his last 2 bouts, both to Sangkaphong Chomyong, and it seems clear that he’s been selected to give Yupang rounds, but not be a serious challenge. In an interesting under-card bout Pakistani fighter Shahir Afridi (11-1-1, 7) will take on the very experienced Patrick Allotey (43-6, 33), in a major step up for Afridi. Afridi has become a regular on the Thai scene, but hasn’t really beaten anyone of any note and certainly nobody with the experience and pedigree of Allotey. As for the Allotey he has faced a genuine who’s who over his long career, including bouts with Patrick Teixeira, Kanat Islam, Jaime Munguia and Serhii Bohachuk. He is coming to the end of his career, but may still have too much in the locker for Afridi. Nova Boxing Gymnasium, Incheon, South Korea We also get a small card in Korea, there’s not much to talk about regarding this show, though we do suspect that Do Il Yoo (4-4) and Hae Myung Jung (4-6-2, 1) will put on a great bout with flawed but fun styles. Cataingan, Masbate, Philippines
In Masbate we have a really interesting show with 5 title bouts on it. Whilst the titles aren’t all major ones, and none are world title bouts, the bouts for the titles are all good looking matchups, deserving of attention and could end up delivering some great action. The only one of the 5 title bouts to serve as a defense is at Super Featherweight, where Thailand’s Arnon Yupang (14-4, 5) will defend his WBC Asian Continental title against former world title challenger Jeo Santisima (23-7, 19). Yupang won the title last year, when he beat Aiman Abu Bakar. and whilst he hasn't defended the belt since, this is his third bout since that victory. Despite having 5 losses in his 18 bouts the Thai is certainly no push over, with 2 of his losses being competitive ones on the domestic stage, and only one being stoppage, when he was taken out in 3 rounds by the hard hitting Virgel Vitor in 2022. He’s capable, but unspectacular. As for Santisima his career has pretty much fallen apart in the last few years, going 4-4 since a 2020 loss to Emanuel Navarrete in a WBO Super Bantamweight title fight. Whilst he has mixed at a very good level in those losses, losing to Joet Gonzalez, Toshiki Shimomachi, Hayato Tsutusmi and Kenji Fujita he has barely won a round. On paper this is an interesting one, given Yupang’s own flaws, but neither man is expected to really kick on. In a domestic title bout, we’ll see former world title challenger Michael Dasmarinas (34-3-2, 23) battle against the limited but hard hitting Jon Jon Estrada (18-12-1, 14), in a bout for the GAB Featherweight title. The 31 year old Dasmarinas is the more well known and more proven fighter, having notably fought Naoya Inoue in 2021. Since being stopped in 3 rounds by the Monster at Bantamweight Dasmarinas has moved up through the weights and gone 4-0-1 (3) whilst now settling at Featherweight. Sadly for him it’s hard to see him competing at the higher levels of the sport again, but on the domestic stage it’s hard to imagine many beating him. As for Estrada he's a man who has shown the tools to be dangerous at the domestic level, with good wins against the likes of Jess Rhey Waminal and Brian Lobetania. Sadly he enters this 4-3 in his last 7, including a blow out loss to Kai Watanabe in Japan. Dasmarinas should be the favourite, but Estrada will put up plenty of resistance and has the power to be dangerous. On paper the best match up looks to be a WBC Asian Silver Flyweight title bout, as Esneth Domingo (19-2, 11) takes on Indian fighter Nutlai Lalbiakkima (6-1, 5). The 25 year old Domingo has notched up 3 straight wins since a competitive loss in 2022 against Nhlanhla Tyirha, including wins over Jukiya Iimura and Kosuke Tomioka in Japan and a win over Michael Bravo for the WBO Global title in December. He doesn’t look like a world beater, but Domingo looks likely to be a force on the regional scene for the next decade or so. Lalbiakkima is a 28 year old Indian fighter who looked like being a really promising fight early on but saw his ascent being slowed in 2022 by Jayson Vayson, who has proven himself since that bout. On paper Lalbiakkima is the under-dog, but this is a huge opportunity for him to get his career back on the right track and we suspect this could be a really great bout between two talented fighters each with a point to prove. A lower quality title on the show will be the WBF International Super Flyeight title, which will be on the line as Ben Ligas (16-4-2, 10) takes on Alvin Camique (8-2, 3) in an All-Filipino bout. Of the two Ligas is the more well known, having earned a draw against Miel Fajardo, and having faced the likes of April Jay Abne, Olimjon Nazarov, Genisis Libranza and Andres Campos. He’s no world beater but is proven as a solid regional level fighter. As for Camique he is 4-2 in his last 6, though that notably includes a loss to the limited Jason Mopon, with that loss on his record it’s hard to see what he has to offer against Ligas. In an all Filipino bout we’ll see the once beaten Alex Santisima Jr (8-1, 2) take on Justine Darap (11-5, 7) in a bout for the vacant WBF Australasian Super Bantamweight title. Santisima is looking to bounce back from his solitary loss, which came in March against fast rising Japanese hopeful Subaru Murata. A loss to Murata is nothing to be ashamed of, and prior to that loss Santisima had beaten Jess Rhey Waminal and Arnel Buyoc. Darap, the bigger puncher of the two, has lost his last 3 bouts , including a loss to former Naoya Inoue foe Aran Dipaen, While he has mixed a good level, he has come up short every time he's faced a live fighter and we suspect that will be the same again here. San Juan Gym, Taytay, Rizal, Philippines A second Filipino show, this time in Rizal, is also set to take place, though this really is a much, much smaller show, which likes any sort of quality matchups, like we see on the Masbate card. At the time of writing the most notable bouts on this card will b a 10 rounder for Eduardo Mancito (21-15-2, 10) and an 8 rounder for Roslan Eco (10-3, 7). Sadly at the time of writing neither man has had their opponent for their bouts confirmed, suggesting late notice opponent, with a limited skillset and limited ambition. It’s a shame that neither is facing anyone of any note. Mancito, a veteran who debuted in 2011, has won his last 3 but all against very limited opposition, and is expected to pad his record with another low level win here. As for Eco he has been stopped in his last 3, so we can't really begrudge him an easy confidence builder RCC Boxing Academy, Ekaterinburg, Russia Over in Russian we have an excellent looking match up as upbeat Tajik fighter Bakhodur Usmonov (7-0, 3) takes on Russian fighter Daud Alaev (9-0, 5). Usmonov has kicked on well since his 2020 debut, a hard fought majority decision win over Vildan Minasov, in what was a really great fight, and a recent win over Manat Sopatip in Hungary showed there is plenty to like about him. He is however having a good step up here, at least on paper, against a live opponent in Alaev. The Russian 28 year old has a good looking record on paper, but his competition hasn;t been the best, and his most notable win is a 6 round decision over Tikhon Netesov, who Usmonov stopped in 4 rounds. Despite having 5 stoppages to his name Alaev hs only stopped 1 of his last 5 and Usmonov is unlikely to worry about his power. Dimiao, Bohol, Philippines
The main card this coming Friday is from Bohol in the Philippines, where we get several interesting looking match ups. The most notable bout on the card will see 25 year old Filipino Virgel Vitor (18-2, 11) trade blows with once touted Thai hopeful Arnon Yupang (9-2, 3). in a bout for the WBA Asia Super Featherweight title. Given he's got home advantage Vitor will be the favourite, and he certainly has the power to make a mark at this level. Yupang on the other hand was tipped quite highly, but a recent loss to Wanchana Menayothin leaves him not fighting for his career, and he will also be the smaller man here. On paper an even better bout will see unbeaten Filipino Regie Suganob (11-0, 4) battle against unbeaten Indonesian Andika D'Golden Boy (19-0-1, 10), in what is a huge fight for both men. Suganob has quietly been building a solid record on the domestic scene, but lacks any for of notable international name on his record and this is a chance for that to change. As for Andika, he was pencilled in for a world title fight in 2020 but that fell through due to the pandemic and it's hard to know what his hunger is like, especially given an unexpected draw last time out against Wandi Priman Hulu. We expect to see a lot of skills on show here, and whilst we don't imagine we'll get a Fight of the Year contender, we do expect a very, very interesting interesting bout. In an all Filipino affair Jake Amparo (9-3-1, 2) will battle against Ariston Aton (9-4, 5), in what looks like a toss of a bout on paper. Amparo has won 3 in a row since a 2021 loss to Suganob. and looks to be moving his career forward rather well, but this is a tougher bout than his recent wins. Aton has lost his last 3, and has little momentum, but will be hungry to turn things around, and is in with an easier opponent than his recent bouts, whuch have seen him clash with Simipiwe Konkco and Tsubasa Koura. This one could steal the show. Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan As well as the action in the Philippines we also have a small card in Tokyo, under the Genkotsu banner. The main event will see 30 year old hopeful Kosuke Ando (10-3, 5) look to record a third straight stoppage win as he takes on the light punching Daisuke Sudo (7-9-3). At his best Ando is the sort of fighter who can, and will, earn a domestic title fight, but will need to get lucky to win a title, and is more likely to spend, much of the remainder of his career bouncing around the domestic rankings. As for Sudo he has lost his last 3, but has been matched hard with bouts against the likes of Kento Hatanaka and Ryuya Yamanka. This bout is a step down from those ones, but still one that he'll be expected to lose. Also on this card is a potentially fan friendly bout between Kensuke Suzuki (4-1, 1) and Taiga Ito (4-3), who clash at 154lbs. The 26 year old Ito is no world beater but is regularly involved in very entertaining and fan friendly wars, which see him depend on his work rate and size rather than his power. Suzuki, 23, is also the sort of fighter who relies on letting punches fly, and is looking to bounce back from his first loss. Expect this one to be a very, very fun to watch 6 rounder. November 27th-Ogawa gets world title shot, Maruta seeks first defense! Abe and Watanabe face off!11/24/2021  Madison Square Garden Theater, New York, New York, USA
The most notable bout with an Asian fighter involved this Saturday is in New York as Japan's Kenichi Ogawa (25-1-1-1, 18) battles talented South African Azinga Fuzile (15-1, 9) for the IBF Super Flyweight title. This bout really is an incredibly interesting one between two world class fighters each looking to prove themselves on the world stage. Ogawa is talented, but rough around the edges, heavy handed and dangerous with a real will to win, and willingness to take a shot to land one when he needs to. Fuzile on the other hand is a slick, skilled, technically sharp boxer-mover who has the tools to frustrate anyone in the division. It will genuinely be interesting to see if Ogawa can land his heavy right hand, or whether the slippery southpaw moves of Fuzile will be too much for him. Our in depth preview of this bout can be read here Ogawa faces Fuzile for IBF title! Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan As well as the action in the US we'll also get a title bout in Japan, as a talented Japanese fighter looks to make his first defense of a national title. Not only that but we'll also see the mandatory challenger for the winner being decided as well, with the show hosting a Japanese title eliminator. The title bout on this show will see Japanese Featherweight champion Hinata Maruta (11-1-1, 9) look to build on his excellent title win against Ryo Sagawa as he takes on Ryo Hino (14-2-2, 9). For Maruta this is a great chance to continue moving forward, and a win here moves him closer and closer to a world title shot, potentially against recently crowned Kiko Martinez. The excellent Maruta has long been regarded as one of the brightest hopes in Japanese boxing, and over the last few years he has been showing his potential with some stellar domestic wins, though we'd really like to see him make a move up to Oriental, if not world, level in 2022. As for Hino this is a second shot at the title, and although a solid domestic level fighter a win here would be, by far, the biggest of his career. Our in depth preview of this bout can be read here Touted genius Maruta takes on Hino in first Japanese title defense! In the main supporting bout on this show we'll see Daisuke Watanabe (12-4-2, 7) and Reiya Abe (21-3-1, 9) clash in a Japanese Featherweight title eliminator. These two men have fought before, with Abe taking a decision over Watanabe back in 2018. Since their first bout Watanabe has gone unbeaten, going 6-0-2 (4) and has some momentum coming in to this bout thanks to his victory in the Hajime No Ippo Featherweight tournament, last year, and a good win over Yosuke Kawano earlier this year. The highly skilled Abe has gone 4-1-1 (1) since beating Watanabe, but has struggled at times, and and we dare say he's needed a fire lighting under his backside aty times, hopefully that fire will be lit here knowing he will get a third Japanese shot, if he wins. Dawrpui Multipurpose Hall, Aizawl, India As well as the title action in the US and Japan we also have a minor title bout in India, where Nutlai Lalbiakkima (2-0, 2) will be defending his IBA International Minimumweight title against Thai challenger Gerttipong Kumsahwat (6-9, 5). The talented Lalbiakkima is looking like a man on the fast track and we suspect he will be mixing against good competition in 2 or 3 years. Although not well known at the moment Lalbiakkima does have the potential to be the face of Indian boxing in the future. Gerttipong on the other hand is best known for losing to the then debuting Ginjiro Shigeoka back in 2018, and since then he has gone 3-7, likely to be 3-8 with this bout. Suamlum Night Bazaar, Ratchadaphisek, Bangkok, Thailand There is also Asian action in Thailand, with a show being broadcast under the "The Fighter" banner, thanks to TL Promotions. Sadly whilst it does feature two very notable Thai hopefuls, neither man is in with someone expected to test them, also, notably, this show was originally scheduled to take place in late October before being delayed. One of the promising Thai fighters on this show is the once beaten Tanes Ongjunta (8-1, 4), who looks notch a 5th straight win, as he takes on the limited Lerdchai Chaiyawed (6-5, 2). Ongjunta, looking to defend his WBA Asia Flyweight title, should be too good, too skilled, and too smart for his foe, though to credit where it's due, Chaiyawed does tend to offer plenty of resistance, even in his losses, and won't be there to just make up the numbers. We expect Chaiyawed to come to win, but simply not be good enough. The other notable bout on this card will see the once beaten Arnon Yupang (7-1, 3) take on Filipino novice Fritz Biagtan (1-0, 1). Yupang was once a Thai amateur standout who has a lot of potential, and was last seen beating Amnat Ruenroeng for the WBA Asia South Featherweight title. He won't be defending that title here, but will be expecting to pick up a win. As for Biagtan, he made his debut in 2018, but has sadly been out of the ring for well over 40 months and is the naturally smaller man. Sadly we do not expect this one to be a particularly competitive match up.  This coming Saturday is a busy day for Asian fight fans with several shows in Asia and some Asian fighters fighting in the US.
Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan The best looking Asian card of the day, by some margin, comes from Tokyo, though is sadly set to be on behind a paywall. The card features just 4 bouts, but all 4 of those are very interesting match ups, including a Japanese title eliminator. The Japanese title eliminator will be at Lightweight as former Japanese 140lb champion Masahiro Suzuki (6-0, 4) takes on Seiryu Toshikawa (14-5, 8), in a very interesting match up. Suzuki looked sensational in his title win at 140lbs when he stopped Daishi Nagata but he knew it wasn't his best weight and he decided to begin a pursuit of the Japanese title at 135lsb. In his way is the under-rated Toshikawa, who has won his last 4 and is 8-1 since the start of 2017. Toshikawa hasn't been beating top, top domestic names, but he's been in good form, beating solid domestic fighters and could be a very solid test for the very good Suzuki. Whilst the title eliminator is a great bout we're even more excited about a clash between Kai Chiba (13-2, 8) and Suzumi Takayama (4-0, 4). The talented Chiba will be looking to bounce back from a loss to Kazuki Nakajima in an OPBF title bout back in May, and he'll know another loss here puts him a very, very long way from another title shot, of any kind. As for Takayama, a former Japanese Youth champion, he's been highly impressive to begin his career, and a win here against Chiba would be a huge announcement, and a massive chance for him to put his hat into the mix for a title fight. Although he's only had a combined 13 rounds as a professional, Takayama does look like an incredible prospect with power, skills and heart, and this is a great chance for him to show exactly what he can do. In an interesting match up we'll see the teak tough Takuya Watanabe (37-10-1, 21) look to bounce back from a brutal and punish loss to Kosuke Saka in a Japanese Super Featherweight title fight. He's in an easier bout here ad he takes on the limited Kazuma Sanpei (20-6, 9), who is who has won 5 of his last 6, but has been fighting at a lower level than Watanabe, who has mixed at title level numerous times. Sanpei will feel confident of continuing his good run, and may feel he's getting Watanabe at the right time, but he will still be regarded as the under-dog here. The other bout on this card will see the hard hitting, and incredibly fun to watch, Yasutaka Fujita (7-1, 6) take on the light punching, but very skilled, Izuki Tomioka (7-4-1, 2). Of the two men Fujita is the naturally bigger, heavier, hard hitting, but the man with questionable stamina and the much less skilled and accomplished boxer. Tomioka is light punching, but very skilled, tricky, and is battle tested at Japanese and OPBF level. On paper this is an easy bout to over-look but should prove to be a genuinely compelling 8 rounder. Talisay City, Cebu, Philippines In the Philippines ARQ Promotions will be putting on a small card, with a brilliant main event, as one of the brightest young prospects in the country takes a massive leap up in class. Sadly outside of that bout there isn't too much to be excited about. That bout will see the unbeaten April Jay Abne (6-0, 3) battle for the OPBF "Silver" Flyweight title as he takes on the once beaten Bienvenido Ligas (13-1-2, 9), in a truly mouth watering clash. The talented, though inexperienced, Abne, is one of the best natural talents in the country, and seems like the type of fighter who has the technical abilities to go a long way, though does need to find his man strength. Ligas is the bigger puncher and the more naturally forceful fighter, but does leave holes and can be out boxed at times. Despite having holes Ligas is very solid, and he was very impressive Alphoe Dagayloan back in February, in a career best win. This is a genuinely excellent match up. Suamlum Night Bazaar, Ratchadaphisek, Bangkok, Thailand There is also Asian action in Thailand, with a show being broadcast under the "The Fighter" banner, thanks to TL Promotions. Sadly whilst it does feature two very notable Thai hopefuls, neither man is in with someone expected to test them. One of the promising Thai fighters on this show is the once beaten Tanes Ongjunta (8-1, 4), who looks notch a 5th straight win, as he takes on the limited Lerdchai Chaiyawed (6-5, 2). Ongjunta, looking to defend his WBA Asia Flyweight title, should be too good, too skilled, and too smart for his foe, though to credit where it's due, Chaiyawed does tend to offer plenty of resistance, even in his losses, and won't be there to just make up the numbers. We expect Chaiyawed to come to win, but simply not be good enough. The other notable bout on this card will see the once beaten Arnon Yupang (7-1, 3) take on Filipino novice Fritz Biagtan (1-0, 1). Yupang was once a Thai amateur standout who has a lot of potential, and was last seen beating Amnat Ruenroeng for the WBA Asia South Featherweight title. He won't be defending that title here, but will be expecting to pick up a win. As for Biagtan, he made his debut in 2018, but has sadly been out of the ring for well over 40 months and is the naturally smaller man. Sadly we do not expect this one to be a particularly competitive match up. Madison Square Garden Theater, New York, New York, USA Former world title challenger Jonas Sultan (17-5, 11) looks to keep himself in the world title mix as he takes on the hard hitting, and unbeaten, Carlos Caraballo (14-0, 14), in a brilliant match up. The technically well schooled Sultan, who holds a very good win over John Riel Casimero, is often under-rated but has shown what he can do in the ring and should be regarded as a leading contender in the Super Flyweight division. Sadly however he is stepping up in weight here, to take on the very exciting Caraballo. The unbeaten Caraballo has stopped everyone so far, including former world title challenger Christian Esquivel, and is a very dangerous fighter. Although technically gifted this is a very tough ask for Caraballo. Hilton Hotel, Baltimore, Maryland, USA Also in the US we'll see the limited Jeronil Borres (11-5-1, 6), another Filipino fighter, take on unbeaten American Dylan Price (14-0, 10). The 26 year old Borres is now world beater, but he was very competitive against Matthew Griego last time out, also in the US, and will be looking to show what he can do against Price here. The 23 year old Price is a genuine prospect, and he has scored 3 wins already this year, with a 4th expected here. Although not a world beater Borres is better than a TKO1 loss to Junto Nakatani suggests, and he could ask questions of Price here, but we don't expect him to run the unbeaten man too close.  February has been a worryingly quiet month for fans who follow Asian fighters. Thankfully however there is a real pick up in activity this coming Saturday with a host of Asian fighters in action all around the globe.
Bula Gym, General Santos City, Cotabato del Sur, Philippines The most meaningful bout of the day comes from the Philippines where we get world title action from General Santos City. The bout in question will see IBF Minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran (14-2-1, 11) defending his title against Rene Mark Cuarto (18-2-2, 11), with Taduran looking to record his second defense of the belt.The aggressive and heavy handed Taduran has impressed in several bouts, notably his loss to Wanheng Menayothin and his title win against Samuel Salva, however he has been out of the ring since a technical draw against Daniel Valladares just over a year ago. Cuarto on the other hand lacks a real win of note, though is a hungry 24 year old challenger looking to make his mark on the sport. Sadly Cuarto hasn't fought since late 2019 and is 2-1-1 in his last 4, but is very much a live under-dog and is technically more rounded than the champion. A full preview of this bout can be read here Taduran takes on Cuarto in All-Filipino world title fight! Tynyshpayev Academy of Transport and Communications, Almaty, Kazakhstan Although the biggest bout of the day is in the Philippines the most interesting card is actually in Kazakhstan where we get the chance to see a number of exciting prospects in action. The most notable bout on this show will see fast rising Kazakh standout Kamshybek Kunkabayev (2-0, 2) battle in his first title fight, as he takes on the once beaten Steven Ward (13-1, 4) for the WBO Asia Pacific Cruiserweight title. Kunkabayev was an amateur standout who has been hugely impressive since making his pro debut last year, and has notched two very solid wins in as many fights. In the opposite corner is Ward, a Northern Irish fighter who's record looks good, but under the surface his competition has been poor and his sole loss, an opening round TKO to Ricards Bolotniks, does not bode well for him here. On paper Ward is probably the first opponent who is coming to beat Kunkabayev, though we suspect he'll be taken out relative early on here. Our preview of this one can be read here Kunkabayev goes for gold as he battles Ward! (Editor's note - Kunakabayev's opponent has been changed, he will now be facing Ukrainian fighter Server Emurlaiev (23-1, 8), unfortunately these articles are scheduled more than a week in advance, and the previews are written 2 to 3 weeks before a bout.) In a much more interesting looking bout we'll see unbeaten Kazakh Nurtas Azhbenov (10-0, 4) take on once beaten Russian Evgeny Smirnov (13-1-3, 3). The 26 year old Azhbenov has shown some promise, but doesn't appear to be a star in the making, with a lack of power likely to be one of the things holding him back from the big time. He has also been matched relatively softly through his 10 bout career. Smirnov on the other hand has been matched harder, but has struggled and has gone 0-1-3 against unbeaten fighters. Smirnov is also win-less in his last 3, going 0-1-2 since late 2018. This one should be "interesting" but we suspect it will lack drama, as neither man is known for having much power. Exciting youngster Talgat Shayken (3-0, 2) will be looking for his 4th professional win as he takes on Russian fighter Evgeny Pavko (18-3-1, 13). Although not the most talented or polished fighter out there Shayken is a very entertaining fighter, who comes to rumble, presses forward with a high intensity and really lets his shots fly when in range. He's a very fan friendly fighter who needs time to mature and develop, but should be on the radar for fans who follow the Central Asian scene. Pavko on the other hand is a very decent, well respected and experienced fighter who will be looking for a victory here, rather than rolling over and just losing. His 3 losses have all been struggles for the winners and we suspect Shayken will need to work hard for a victory here, though his natural size should be the difference here. A potentially explosive bout will see once beaten Kazakh Abay Tolesh (6-1, 4) take on Russian Vasily Shtyk (2-2, 2). The talented Tolesh is looking to score his second win following a 2020 loss to Saparbay Aidarov and will be wanting to make a statement. Shtyk on the other hand is a limited but tough fighter who has heavy hands, as he showed last time out against Sergey Kozhukhar. We expect Shtyk to be a potential banana skin here for Tolesh. Suamlum Night Bazaar, Ratchadaphisek, Bangkok, Thailand Staying in Asia we'll also get the first Thai show of 2021 as TL Promotions give us a card in Bangkok. The main event here will see former IBF Flyweight champion Amnat Ruenroeng (21-4, 6) take on the once beaten Arnon Yupang (6-1, 3). Despite now being 41 Amnat is proving to be a slippery and talented fighter, who is still putting in solid performances, as we saw last year against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Pungluang Sor Singyu. Aged 23 this is a big step up for Yupang, but also a great chance for him to put his name on the map. For Yupang the key is to outwork Amnat, but that is easier said than done. On the under-card we're expecting to see the unbeaten Yuttapong Tongdee (5-0, 4), a wonderfully talented and highly promising Thai, take on Arthit Kaewbantid (3-1, 2). We regard Tongdee as on of the brightest hopefuls in Thailand but, and although this looks like an easy match up we're really just wanting to see Tongdee kept busy this year before bigger and better things in 2022. London, United Kingdom In London we'll see UK based Afghan fighter Quaise Khademi (8-0, 2) battle against Ijaz Ahmed (7-2) for the WBO European and the vacant IBF European Super Flyweight titles in a very good looking match up. For Khademi this will be his first defense of the WBO European title, which he won back in 2019, and will see him looking to build on a solid start to his professional career. As for Ahmed he'll be looking to bounce back from a close loss to Harvey Horn, at Flyweight. Khademi should have the edge in natural size and power, but Ahmed will not be there to suffer a second successive loss. Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida, USA We also have action in the US as unbeaten Chinese Heavyweight hopeful Zhilei Zhang (22-0, 17) takes on Jerry Forrest (26-4, 20). The 37 year old Chinese fighter really has let his career slip away with father time and the promise he had following a successful amateur career is unlikely to ever be realised due to his age and relatively weak match making. Aged 32 Forrest is no push over, and despite having 4 losses is a live under-dog here, having pushed Jermaine Franklin and Carlos Takam close in recent bouts. Forrest is tough enough, experienced enough and good enough to test Zhang, and if Zhang is on the slide this may turn out to be a genuine banana skin for the big guy from China.  Suamlum Night Bazaar, Ratchadaphisek, Bangkok, Thailand
This coming Saturday we get minor title action as WBA Asia South Featherweight champion Arnon Yupang (5-0, 2) defends his title against the debuting Nonthasith Petchnamthong (0-0). On paper this looks like a poor match up, an unbeaten prospect defending a regional title against a debutant, but in reality this is two novices clashing for a minor regional title. Although he had 5 bouts to his name Yupang has only been a professional since late last year, winning 4 bouts against fellow novices in TL Promotions excellent little tournament "The Fighter". Those 4 bouts count as 4 of the 5 bouts that Yupang has had, with the other coming against the very under-sized Inthanon Sithchamuang. Interestingly Nanthasith is ranked #15 by the WBA Asia, though we do believe this is his debut. Thai sources report that two men have apparently known each other for a while and were reportedly on the same team and are close, though we wouldn't be surprised to see them put their friendship to the side and really go at each other here. Sadly no other bouts for this show have been confirmed at the time of writing.  Thailand
Boxing returns to Thailand this week coming Saturday as TL Promotions put on a show with two regional title bouts. Given the start of Thai boxing at the best of times we were never expecting anything huge, but this is actually an interesting show of unbeaten hopefuls. In the main event 16 year old rising hopeful Phoobadin Yoohanngoh (8-0, 4) will take on former Muay Thai fighter Kulabdam Sor Jor Piekuthai (2-1, 1) in a bout for the WBA Asia Light Welterweight title. Last year Phoobadin won "The Fighter" tournament, despite his age, but did struggle in a number of those bouts and this is a clear step up in class compared to some of his fights, in terms of competition and the length of bout and the weight class. Kulabdam was a standout Muay Thai fighter, though notably he was stopped in his last boxing bout, last December, by a man that Phoobadin would later beat. This is a good chance for Phoobadin to claim his first title but Kulabdam will be looking to give his boxing career a kick start after a stumble last time out. Another unbeaten hopeful on this card is 22 year old hopeful Arnon Yupang (4-0, 1), who takes on veteran Inthanon Sithchamuang (31-13-1, 19) in a bout for the lightly regarded WBA Asia South Featherweight title. Although Yupang has won his first 4 bouts he has only been fighting at a very low level and this is a massive step up. Whilst Anon is stepping up it's worth noting that Inthanon is very much a naturally smaller man, and has made his career at Super Flyweight. We suspect Yupang will be too big for Inthanon, who looks to be shot to pieces and has been stopped in his last 4 bouts, however Yupang is lacking pro boxing experience and may be looking to get some rounds under his belt here. |
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