Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan event
This coming Tuesday we get a triple header at Korakuen Hall, in what is set to be a really good card, even though it did have a late change, with a regional title bout and two Champion Carnival bouts for vacant Japanese titles. The main event will see former WBO AP Super Featherweight champion Kai Watanabe (13-2-1, 7) look to regain the title, which is now vacant, and bounce back from a recent defeat as he takes on the limited but dangerous Ryusei Ishii (12-7-1, 9). Watanabe went 9-0-1 to begin his career and showed some real promise before winning a Japanese youth title in late 2023, in his second shot. He defended that belt once before putting on a sensational performance to win the WBO AP title in late 2024 with a blow out win over Toshihiro Suzuki. The win over Suzuki seemed like one that showed Watanabe was a star in the making, he lost his very next fight, in a rather tense but dull affair against OPBF champion Tsubasa Narai in January. At his best he’s sensational, but sadly Watanabe is very hit and miss, and can focus too much on boxing which doesn’t seem to play to his strengths. As for Ishii he’s a very dangerous southpaw, who has turned his career around in the last 4 years or so. He was 8-7-1 (5) at one point, but has won his last 4 , including big domestic wins over Takuya Uehara, avenging one of his losses, Go Hosaka and Soreike Taichi. You overlook Ishii at your peril, and whilst Watanabe should win, he will need to be aware of Ishii’s power and confidence. In the chief support bout we get a genuinely mouth watering Japanese Super Bantamweight title bout, as Toshiya Ishii (8-1-2, 5) takes on Katsuya Fukui (8-0, 6) for the title which we saw being vacated by Toshiki Shimomachi. For Ishii this will be a second shot at the Japanese title and despite his 8-1-2 record he has already proven he very much belongs at this level, his one loss was a controversial one to Sho Ishida and his draw have come against highly ranked domestic fighters, including Shimomachi in a 2023 title fight.his one loss was a controversial one to Sho Ishida and his draw have come against highly ranked domestic fighters, including Shimomachi in a 2023 title fight. As for Fukui, this is a clear step up in class, but one he’s been working too in the correct fashion with good wins against a mix of styles and fighters, including Hiroki Hanabusa, Sang Heon Oh and Ben Mananquil. Given the styles of the men, we expect this to be high level, explosive and incredibly tense, with both likely feeling they have the power to stop the other. The third bout, another bout for a vacant Japanese title, will see Kyotaro Yoshida (6-3, 3) take on Jinya Yamaguchi (5-0-1, 2), for the Japanese Super Flyweight title. Originally the plan had been for Yamaguchi to face Suzumi Takayama (9-0, 8) in a very good looking Champion Carnival bout, but Takayama had to vacate the title due to illness, and we’ve ended up with this one instead. Yamaguchi, a second generation fighter, has claimed the Youth title already in his career and had earned a shot at the Japanese senior title, but hadn't really shone like some had hoped and he is very much still a work in progress after 6 fights.With 9 fights to his name, and 3 losses, it’s easy to write Yoshida off, but he was a very capable amateur, who has been matched hard since turning professional and has finally began to show his potential as a professional, sitting on his shots more, and scoring TKO’s in his last 3. This is likely to be something of a chess match, but a very interesting one, between two men who likely feel they are somewhat fortunate to be fighting for the vacant, and not taking on Takayama. On the under-card we’ll see Dave Apolinario (21-1, 14) continue to rebuild after his loss in a bout for the IBF Flyweight title last year, as he takes on Chinese visitor Longyi Hu (8-2-2, 4). The talented Apolinario is someone who is really skilled, but needs some seasoning, some higher quality wins, and some good rounds against solid regional fighters, and Hu fits that mould well. He has never been stopped, both of his draws, and his two losses, have been razor thin bouts, and he's a very live fighter with ambitions of his own, as he showed in 2023 when he stopped Shugo Namura. Hu is 2-2-2 in his last 6, but could easily have won all 6 and will look to make the most of the biggest fight of his career. One other bout to be aware of is the debut of Hijiri Oka (0-0), who takes on Thai visitor Witsanu Phimpa (7-6, 5). Oka is tipped for big things after going 40-10 in the amateurs and should be way too good for his foe here, as he looked to make a quick impact, and then move on to bigger and better things over the coming years.
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Bula Gym, General Santos City, Cotabato del Sur, Philippines
This coming Wednesday we see the return of a true legend as Japanese warrior Katsunari Takayama (34-9-0-1, 12) returns to the Minimumweight division, for the first time since August 2016, when he beat Riku Kano, and faces unbeaten 23 year old Australian fighter Kha Lu (7-0, 3) in the Philippines for the IBO Minimumweight title. Aged 41 Takayama is a certified legend for fans of the lower weight classes, and he has faced a genuine who’s who of over the last 20 years. His career, which has seen him win Japanese, WBC, WBA "interim", IBF and WBO titles at Minimumweight, has seen him craft his own route through the sport, giving up his JBC license to chase the IBF title around the world, battling to allow Japanese fighters to go from pros to amateurs, and has his eyes on becoming a teacher when he finally hangs up the gloves. It seems he still has challenges left in the sport, and claiming the IBO title appears to be one of those challenges. At his best Takayama was a fantastic, teak tough warrior, with an incredible work rate, great speed, and the willingness to go to war with almost anyone. Dubbed the “Lightning Kid”, his name isn’t as apt at 41 as it was when he debuted, way back in 2000, but there is no doubting his heart, desire and determination. Sadly he has slipped a lot from his best, but he will be hoping to use his experience here. As for Lu the 23 year old Australian has never faced anyone of any note so far. His competition through 7 fights has seen him face a single fighter with a winning record, Oatkowit Kamlangcharoey, with all 7 bouts coming against limited Thai foes. With 25 rounds to his name his lack of experience isn’t just in quality, but also in ring time, with Takayama having over 350 rounds. He has also never been beyond 6 rounds, and we need to wonder whether he has the tools to go deep. He is however almost 20 years younger than Takayama, and he will look to make the most of that youth. Although the IBO title is certainly a minor belt, this is still a very intriguing bout, and if Takayama manages to pick up the win he will become the first ever Japanese champion to win an IBO belt, adding yet another notch to his unique list of career achievements. Also on this card are a trio of Filipino hopefuls, all looking to bounce back from recent losses. One of that trio is Vince Paras (21-3-1, 15), who looks to bounce back from a loss to Hiroto Kyoguchi as he takes on Anthony Gilbuela (8-6-2, 2) in what should be a straightforward win. We should also see straight forward wins for Reymart Gaballo (28-2, 23), who will take on James Pagaling (8-3, 5), and Dave Apolinario (20-1, 14), who faces veteran Jeny Boy Boca (14-16, 12). Sanman Gym, General Santos City, Cotabato del Sur, Philippines
This coming Monday SANMAN will be putting on their next show as their gym in General Dos Santos. Sadly as we write this the bouts for the show haven't been announced, though the most notable fighters for the event have been. The only bout to be confirmed, at the time of writing, will see the unbeaten Dave Apolinario (15-0, 10), a man we rate really highly as one to watch for the future, taking on the limited Mike Kinaadman (7-14-2, 5). This really is little more than a stay busy bout for Apolinario, who we hope to see step up in class over the next 12 months. Apolinario is undeniably talented, moves well around the ring, was a good amateur and clearly has the potential to mix in, and around, world level. Kinaadman on the other hand is best known for going the distance with some good Filipino fighters earlier in his career. Sadly though he is a natural Minimumweight and he will look the much smaller man against Apolinario, a natural Flyweight. Also on this show will be former would title challenger Vince Paras (15-2, 13), who has really not been able to build on a solid performance, in a losing effort, against Hiroto Kyoguchi back in 2018. He has sadly seen his career derailed by the pandemic and he's now not fought since September 2019, when he beat Vincent Bautista. It's a shame his career has been slowed in the way it has, and it's also hard to imagine him facing anyone decent this year, but it's obvious he has talent, and we wouldn't be surprised to see SANMAN getting him big fights in the near future. Sadly his opponent for this show is unknown at the time of writing, and isn't expected to be anyone testing. One other notable fighter on this card is former WBO Asia Pacific Bantamweight champion Ben Mananquil (17-2-3, 4). This will be his first fight since being stopped by Yuki Strong Kobayashi back in 2019, and we really can't imagine him facing anyone of any quality given that long lay off and his loss last time out. Talisay, Cebu, Philippines
The big card for us this coming Friday is a Sanman promoted show in Cebu, featuring an OPBF title fight and some very, very promising prospects. The main event of the show will see two former world title challengers battle for the now vacant OPBF Minimumweight title. The match up in question will see Melvin Jerusalem (16-2, 10) take on Toto Landero (11-5-2, 2) in a truly mouth watering match up. The 27 year old Jerusalem is best known for giving Wanheng Menayothin an incredibly competitive bout in 2017, though has failed to secure another top level bout since then. As for Landero he's best known for a competitive loss to Knockout CP Freshmart in 2018. Interestingly not only are both of these men looking to move towards a second world title bout, and claim the OBF title, but they are also looking to end a rivalry which also saw them clash in November 2018, with Jerusalem taking a 10 round decision over Landero in a non title fight. Our full preview of this bout can be read here Jerusalem and Landero clash for regional crown! One of the prospects on this card is the excellent Dave Apolinario (14-0, 9) who has slowly been creating a buzz on the back of some very impressive performances in the last few years. He'll be looking for his 15th straight win as he takes on fellow Filipino Charlie Malupangue (9-4-3, 6). On paper this doesn't look like a terrible match up, though in reality it should be a rather easy win for Apolinario as Malupangue is a natural Minimumweight taking on a well sized Flyweight, who will likely grow into a very strong Super Flyweight when he fully matures. Another of the prospects on this card is the highly touted KJ Cataraja (12-0, 10), a former amateur standout who looks like one of the most talented fighters in the Philippines. Sadly Cataraja has been badly affected by the Covid19 issues in the Philippines, with the closure of ALA Gym and only fighting once since the start of 2020. As a result he's very much just having a stay busy bout here as he takes on the limited but experienced Cris Alfante (17-8-1, 9). Alfante, at his best, was a decent fighter, but now a days he's very much the type of fighter who go rounds with a decent fighter, but end up losing without asking too many questions of a prospect. It really is a shame that Cataraja's career has progressed as slowly as it has. Korakuen Hall, Japan Over in Japan we see the East Japan Rookie of the Year continue as we get a Rookie of the Year card from the Korakuen Hall. This particular show will feature 6 bouts, covering the Super Bantamweight, Featherweight and Light Welterweight divisions. On paper the bout that interests us the most on this show is the all debutant bout between Ryujiro Nakajima (0-0) and Kei Nakayama (0-0), who will be clashing at 140lbs. We love all debutant bouts, and they are one of the best things about the Rookie of the Year competition, with the rawness of the two fighters involved generally making for exciting clashes with a lot of raw energy and often a lack of composure. This Saturday promises to be a great day with a brilliant Japanese card being shown live on Boxing Raise, and a live show being streamed from the Philippines!
Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan That Japanese card comes from Tokyo and features 4 bouts of note, none are world title bouts, but there are two less title bouts on the show, and a mouth watering domestic show down, as well as a bout featuring a former Japanese national champion. In the main event OPBF Light Welterweight champion Rikki Naito (22-2, 7) will battle against fellow Japanese fighter Yusuke Konno (16-4, 9), with both Naito's OPBF title on the line. Coming in Naito will be the clear favourite, he's the more proven man, the Oriental champion and the quicker more skilled fighter. We shouldn't write off Konno however, and he's a big, strong, powerful fighter, with good stamina and he'll be desperate to force his will on Naito. This is very much a match up of skill Vs will and knowing that Konno will be pressing and pressuring through out we can't help feel that Konno is a very live under-dog here. Our full preview of this bout is available here Naito and Konno clash for OPBF title The chief support bout is a mouth watering match up between youngsters as Yoshimitsu Kimura (12-2, 7) and Shuma Nakazato (10-1-2, 7) clash, in a truly brilliant match up. Kimura is coming in on the back of a split decision loss to OPBF 130lb champion Hironori Mishiro, which was a great clash last year, and he'll have given his standing and confidence a huge boost despite the lost. Incidentally Nakazato's sole loss also came to Mishiro, but since then he has gone 4-0-1 and will know a win here moves him to within touch distance of a title bout. We expect this to be highly technical but also really exciting with Kimura being the aggressor, applying calculated pressure and Nakazato looking to play the role of a puncher. We wouldn't be surprised if this was the bout of the week. The other title bout promises to be just as good as the main event, with Japanese Youth Super Flyweight champion Suzumi Takayama (3-0, 3) defending his title against Hiroto Yashiro (2-0, 2), in what will be Takayama's first defense. Unlike most countries Japan matches their young up and comers against each other often and the Youth title has seen that happen more and more often in recent years. Prior to turning professional both of these youngsters had made their marks on the amateur scene and seeing them face off at this ultra-early point in their professional careers is really exciting. This is a hard one to call and we are expecting a brilliant, tactical, hard hitting battle here. A fantastic match up and credit to both men for accepting the bout. This should be something special. Our full preview of this bout can be read here Novices clash in Japanese Youth title clash! Also on this card will be former Japanese Super Bantamweight champion Ryoichi Tamura (15-5-1, 7), who is always worth watching. The all action Tamura will be expected to pick up a relatively easy win here, as he takes on Ryu Oba (5-4, 3), though in fairness Tamura makes even mismatches fun and exciting with his action style and aggression. Although Oba is the under-dog he'll have some confidence having won his last 2 and will be here to win. This should be fun, even if it does have a very predictable winner. Phillipines The restart in Filipino boxing has been a slow one, though we do get another show in the country today as Sanman puts on a card with several notable names on it. The main event will see former WBO Bantamweight champion Marlon Tapales (33-3, 16) battle against Eden Sonsona (36-11-2, 13) in a bout at a contracted 132lbs, well above Tapales' best weight. This will be Tapales's first bout since losing to Ryosuke Iwasa in an IBF "interim" Super Bantamweight title bout, and to see him going up the scales this much is a worry, though he should still have enough to beat Sonsona. Another notable fighter on this card is 2-time world title challenger Aston Palicte (26-4-1, 22), who will be in action at Bantamweight, where he takes on Reymark Taday (10-12-1, 5), in what looks very much like a confidence builder for Palicte following 2 losses last year, including one to Kazuto Ioka. Other notables involved on the show are Joey Canoy (15-4-1, 8) and the talented Dave Apolinario (13-0, 8), who are both facing domestic foes that they shouldn't struggle with. This event is set to be streamed on the Sanman Facebook page for those wanting to enjoy some Filipino action. Xi An, China As well as the action in Japan there will also be a show in China. This is another low key Chinese card, as we still see the sport re-finding it's feet in the Middle Kingdom. One of the few interesting bouts on this show will see Jin Ping Yang (2-0-1) take on Xiaokang Song (4-0) in a battle of unbeaten men, over 10 rounds. The 23 year old Yang made his debut in October 2018, with a 4 round decision, and stepped up to 6 rounders earlier this year. He's now leaping up to a 10 rounder in what is very, very clearly a step up in class. Song on the other hand is a 21 year old and has been a fighting in 4 rounders. This isn't an easy one to call, but is an interesting one on paper, and a somewhat compelling match up, given that the promoter is trusting the two men to headline the card. In a second bout on this card Shichao Gao (5-1-1, 2) will take on JiZhong He (2-1, 1) over 8 rounds. We have been impressed by Gao in the past, and he seemed to be on the fast track to the top when he beat Koji Igarashi and Anurak Thisa last year, but a loss in June has slowed his rise. As for He it's hard to say anything at all about him given the very low level of competition he has faced so far, and this is a very, very big step up in class for him. ![]() Cotabato del Sur, Philippines In the Phillipines fans will be getting a show featuring a couple of very notable Filipino fighters, though both look to be in mismatches. The main event of the show will feature the talented Randy Petalcorin (30-3-1, 23), in what looks like a very easy confidence building win against fellow Filipino Reymark Taday (9-10-1, 4). The very talented Petalcorin is looking for his second win since being stopped by Felix Alvarado and will be expected to go through Taday rather easily here. Although perhaps not a legitimate world class fighter Petalcorin isn't far off that level and should run through Taday here with absolutely no issues at all. In a major supporting bout the unbeaten Dave Apolinario (11-0, 6) will take on local veteran Arnold Garde (10-8-3, 4). The unbeaten Apolinario is one of the very best prospects in Filipino boxing, and he has been very impressive in recent bouts. Garde isn't as bad as his record suggests, but it's still hard to imagine this being anything more than an easy win for the very talented and quick rising Apolinario. Aged 20 there is no rush with Apolinario but they really could let him off the leash a little bit in 2020. On paper the best of the bouts on this card will see punchers collide. The bout will see Presco Carcosia (6-0-1, 6) take on Jayar Aliasot (6-2, 5) in what looks like an excellent and explosive contest on paper. The 23 year old Carcosia has only seen the final bell once, in his draw against Renerio Arizala, with all 6 of his wins coming in the first 3 rounds. He will be out there looking to get another quick win.The 24 year old Aliasot had scored 3 wins in the first 2 rounds, and is 3-2 (2) in bouts that go beyond 4, so he will likely also look to go for it earlier. Expect this one to be explosive, and potentially very short. ![]() Metro Manila, Philippines The most botable card in Asia is the next in the ESPN5 line of shows, stacked with prospects. One of top prospects on the show is Jayson Mama (12-0, 6), who takes on former world champion Kwanthai Sithmorseng (49-6-1, 26). The talented Filipino is a real talent and will be expected to win here, though the question is how he wins and how good he looks against the Thai veteran. Kwanthai was very good, once, but is a long way removed from his best years. Another of the notable prospects in action here will see the all action Carl Jammes Martin (12-0, 11) take on unbeaten Indian visitor Rakesh Lohchab (6-0, 2). On paper this looks like a decent test for Martin, but in reality the Filipino youngster should pick up his next win with no problems. Martin is one of the sports true "made for TV" fighters and we suggest fans do all they can to catch every bout of his that they can. In an all-Filipino show down we'll see the very highly regarded Dave Apolinario (10-0 6) take on the out of form Dexter Alimento (13-6, 9). Apolinario looks to be up there with the top prospects in Asia, and he should be too strong and too powerful for Alimento. Alimento's career once promised a lot, but it really has faltered in recent bouts and it's hard to know what he really has left. In one other bout of note we'll see former world title challenger Randy Petalcorin (29-3-1, 22) take on Thai journeyman Worawatchai Boonjan (14-21-1, 13), aka Phupha Por Nobnom. This will be Petalcorin's first bout since losing to Felix Alvarado in an IBF Light Flyweight world title fight last October and will likely be little more than a confidence building win for the talented Filipino. Hiroshima, Japan A second notable card this coming Sunday takes place in Hiroshima, Japan, and features a female OPBF title fight, and a couple of interesting, but low level, domestic bouts. The main event of this show will see unbeaten teenager Eruka Hiromoto (4-0) taking on Korean foe Chan Mi Lim (4-6-1, 4) in a bout for the OPBF female Minimumweight title. The talented Hiromoto comes into this bout having already scored a win over Lim, just over a year ago, and will be hotly tipped to pick up the victory here and claim her first title. Lim has gone 2-1 since losing to Hiromoto in their first bout but is 0-2 on the road, having twice lost in Japan. Another female bout on this card will see Yumi Narita (3-3-3, 1) battle Sana Hazuki (6-4-1, 2). Coming in to this both fighters are ranked by the OPBF and JBC, and will know that a win here could open the door to another title fight. We say another title fight as both women are, 0-1-1 in Japanese female title bouts, so both will be hoping to secure another shot and make it third time lucky. One other female bout of note will see JBC ranked female Flyweights Sachiko Kondo (2-3-2) and Yume Hirayama (3-0) face off in a pretty good test for the 19 year old Kondo. In a male Flyweight bout we'll see Taiyo Inoue (8-4-2, 5) take on Akira Kokubo (7-8-3, 2). Coming in to this Inoue is ranked by the WBO Asia Pacific , thanks to a win in November against Roland Jay Biendima, and will be risking that ranking here. On paper Inoue will be favoured, though it's worth noting that Kokubo has won 5 of his last 6, turning around a really bad start to his career. Moscow, Russia As well as the shows in Asia there is also a show in Russia featuring several Asian fighters. The most notable of the Asian fighters on this card is unbeaten Uzbek puncher Shohjahon Ergashev (16-0, 14). Ergashev struggled last time out, narrowly over-coming Mykal Fox, and we're expecting him to have an easier time here against what appears to be a very late notice opponent The other is Russian based Korean fighter He Su Khan (5-4-1, 1). Although Khan is 0-3-1 in his last 4 he has been unlucky in some of those set backs, and he is much, much better than his record suggests. At the time of writing Khan's opponent hasn't been named, though given how Khan has been facing fighters with better record we are hoping for him to get an easy win here. ![]() Metro Manila, Philippines Ateention turns to the Philippines this coming Saturday as ESPN5 televised their first show of the new year. It's not a bumper card, but does feature some notable names as the channel looks to increase the profile of a number of Filipino fighters. One of the notable bouts on this card will see the unbeaten pairing of Dave Apolinario (9-0, 6) and Mark Vicelles (9-0-1, 5) battle for the WBO Asia Pacific Youth Flyweight title. We've been impressed by Apolinario since he made his debut back in 2017 and the 20 year old looks like a dynamite prospect with speed, skills, power and a lot of potential. This however is a step up in class and Vicelles will be coming to do more than just make up the numbers. The 23 year old Vicelles has already ruined 22 unbeaten records, and will be looking to expose another touted domestic rival here. We're expecting real fireworks and excitement here in what should be the show stealing bout. In a good supporting bout Reymart Gaballo (20-0, 17) will be taking on Japanese foe Yuya Nakamura (9-2-1, 7) in what should be an interesting assignment. Gaballo will be favoured, he really impressed last year with wins against Stephon Young and Julias Kisarawe, but Nakamura is no push over, and he impressed in December when he should have had a win over Yougu Yu, though the judges found a way to score that a draw. Gaballo should win, but Nakamura won't be there to just make up the numbers. In another supporting bout the hard hitting Romero Duno (18-1, 14) will face off with Indian Kuldeep Dhanda (7-1, 1) in what is expected to be little more than a stay busy bout for Duno. The Filipino puncher is on a 9 fight winning run, including his break out win over Christian Gonzalez from March 2017, and looks like a potential world title contender. Dhanda on the other hand has never previously fought outside of India and lacks a win of any note, suggesting he will be completely unable to cope with Duno's power and skills. Jeonju, South Korea In Korea fans will be getting a double title show, with domestic Cruiserweight and Welterweight titles up for grabs. The theme of the show is Korea Vs Japan Vs China, but sadly the international bouts are over shadowed by the title bouts. The Welterweight title will see either Yong Hwan Jun (4-4-1, 2) or Dong Young Kang (4-5-2) being crowned as the new champion. Neither of these two are great, but the Korean Welterweight scene isn't very good right now and hopefully getting the title scene up and running will kick start that, with fighters vying for a shot. The Crusierweight title fight on the other hand will see Hyun Tae Bae (5-1-1, 3) battle against Kyung Hak Lee (3-5-1, 1). The 29 year old Bae returned in December, after more than 2 years out of the ring, and stopped Tae San Kil to earn his shot at the title. Lee on the other hand is without a win since March 2011, and it seems like this is little more than a coronation event for Bae. One other bout of note here will see the unbeaten Dong Myung Shin (1-0), who impressed on debut in September, battle against Chinese fighter Yiping Gao (3-5, 1). Shin looked really good, defeating Hiroyuki Sagehashi on debut, and we're expecting him to shine again here. At the age of 30 Shin will need to be active to make any mark on the sport, but could be one of the few Korean with the skillset to impress internationally. California, USA Another Asian fighter in action in the US is Filipino Genisis Libranza (17-1, 10), who will be looking to make his US debut following an aborted bout in January against Carlos Buitrago, who failed to make weight for a bout with Libranza. He will be up against Gilberto Mendoza (11-6-2, 4), who is a 29 year old who has yet to score a win of note. This should be seen as a showcase to Libranza if we're being honest. ![]() Metro Manila, Philippines One of the best Filipino cards of the month comes on the final Monday of the month, surprisingly, where we get a world title fight, a world title eliminator, a regional title bout and several interesting prospects in action. The main event will be a brilliant match up between talented and sharp punching Filipino Randy Petalcorin (29-2-1, 22) and destructive Nicaraguan Felix Alvarado (33-2, 29), who meet for the vacant IBF Light Flyweight title. On paper this is a really interesting contest between two very different but very talented fighters each looking to claim a world title for the first time. Although Petalcorin has the home advantage Alvarado comes into the bout in terrifying form, with 14 stoppage wins in his last 15 bouts! This could be a modern classic. A preview of this bout can be read here Petalcorin and Alvarado meet for IBF crown! In a major supporting bout Filipino Kenny Demecillo (14-4-2, 8) will take on English southpaw Lee Haskins (35-4, 14) in an IBF Bantamweight world title eliminator. The unheralded Filipino is taking a massive step up in class to face the former world champion, but at 26 years old Demecillo is just coming into his prime whilst Haskins is an old 35. Whilst the Filipino is the youngster it's hard to see him defeating the tricky, slippery and ultra-awkward Haskins. Another major supporting bout will see the once beaten Giemel Magramo (21-1, 17) defending his WBO Oriental Flyweight title against Mexican visitor Sebastian Sanchez (11-5, 8). The only loss on Magramo's record was a razor thin one to Muhammad Waseem in Korea and he's very highly regarded as a fighter who will, at the very least, challenge for a world title. The 26year old Sanchez has lost 4 of his past 5, but has been matched hard with bouts against the likes of Paul Butler, Cristofer Rosales and the aforementioned Alvarado. Lower down the card we'll see Ronnie Baldonado (12-1-1, 9) look to score his third wins since losing to Kosei Tanaka, as he faces Enrique Magsalin (5-0-2, 1) in a decent domestic bout. The very touted Jade Bornea (12-0, 8) will face journeyman Macrea Gandionco (12-6-3, 7), who appears to have been a late replacement for former world champion Sonny Boy Jaro and teenage prospect Dave Apolinario (8-0, 5) will be hoping to notch his next win as he faces Joan Imperial (14-7-6, 9). ![]() Cotabato del Sur, Philippines The most notable show this coming Sunday is in the Philippines as we get a title double, with a supporting cast of Uzbek hopefuls. One of those title bouts will see the once beaten Mike Plania (15-1, 8) take on domestic journeyman Angelito Merin (9-8-3, 3) in a bout for the WBC Asian Boxing Council Silver Super Bantamweight title. The 21 year old Plania will be fighting for the second time since losing to Juan Carlos Payano back in March, and will be looking to build on an opening round blow out win against Jugn Rey Lauza. As for Merin things haven't been so smooth with the 28 year old going 2-6-1 in his last 9 bouts. Although Merin has, on the whole, faced better competition we have been impressed by Plania and strongly fancy him here. The other title bout will see the unbeaten Dave Apolinario (7-0, 5) take on fellow Filipino Michael Camelion (10-9-1, 8) in a bout for the WBC Asian Boxing Council Youth Flyweight title. The 19 year old Apolinario looks like a real prospect and and has both a solid amateur background as well as power, speed and youth, with Sanman seemingly having a pure talent on their hands with him. Aged 23 Camelion is starting to look like damaged goods with 5 stoppage losses, including defeats to Hiroto Kyoguchi, Vince Parras and Jayson Mama. Given Apolinario's power we don't see this one going long. The Uzbek fighters, who are all taking on limited Filipino fighters, are Jasur Akhmadjonov (6-0-1, 4), Bekzod Tursunboev (1-0, 1) and Ulugbek Sobirov (7-0, 5). Coming in to this Akhmadjonov will be hoping to put a draw with Rodel Wenceslao behind him, teenager Sobirov will be looking to impress Filipino fans once again whilst Tursunboev will be wanting to build on an opening round KO against Roy Mukhlis. Fukuoka, Japan As well as the card in the Philippines there will also be a card in Fukuoka. In the main event Yuki Ozawa (12-6, 3) will battle Katsuhiko Kanno (10-11-7, 4) in an 8 round contest. Ozawa has lost 6 of his last 8, but has mixed with decent company, including Ryo Takenaka, and is better than his record and recent form suggests. Kanno has also struggled in recent bouts, and was blown out inside a round earlier this year by Tae Il Atsumi. Kanno is usually durable, but we don't think he'll put up too much of a test for Oazawa. The card also has a really interesting looking support bout, as Tetsuwan Takashi (3-1-2) faces Fumiaki Sueyoshi (5-1, 4) in a 6 rounder. The 24 year old Takashi lost on debut, back in 2014, but has since gone 3-0-2 and this will be his first bout over the 6 round distance. The heavy handed Sueyoshi started his career with 4 straight wins before suffering a stoppage loss in September. Since that loss Sueyoshi has moved through the weights and looked rejuvenated when he stopped Bejita Ishikawa back in March. This could be very interesting. |
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