May sixth at Korakuen Hall. OPBF and WBO Asia Pacific welterweight titles at stake, first respective defenses of each man. Idk how rare a development this is (and it really isn't a look-uppable stat, being a subjectively qualitative thing) but these guys are coming into this having both last fought in strong FOTY contenders - and I mean worldwide, not just on the always entertaining Japanese domestic scene. Toyoshima just a few months ago versus Riku Nagahama to snatch the belt (and remaining a frontrunner in 2021 so far) and Beppu at the wire in 2019 overcoming Ryōta Yada in an insane back and forth war to capture his own half of the vig in this one. Two guys that may not be among their country's p4p elite but are certainly in the running for "most can't-miss" - and my hunch is their styles and temperaments pitted together could result in a potentiation of their standalone combustibility. Yuki Beppu vs. Ryōta Yada: This content is protected Ryōta Toyoshima vs. Riku Nagahama: This content is protected
Show's about to kick off, there should be AT LEAST 3 bouts first (a 6 rounder, and 2 8 rounders), there's another bout scheduled but it wasn't on the G+ website for the broadcast, so we'll see on that one.
That intro from G+ showing off the champions they helped create was ****ing awesome! Shame they never show all the OOOOLD fights any more, would be amazing to see some of their stuff re-aired from the 50's and 70's. They must have such a deep, brilliant, archive
Right okay the 4 rounder was cancelled (which was originally supposed to open the event) starting with a 6 rounder Junya Shimada (0-0) v Shigetoshi Kotari (2-0, 1)
Not sure if IB wants to watch the entire show or whatever so won't turn this into a spoiler heavy thread or an RBR, but through 2 rounds this has been REALLY good. A slow opening round, the fight came alive in round 2 and Shimada looks to be getting more comfortable. Kotari looks highly skilled but seems to lack power and is getting caught
8 rounder between Junpei Tsujimoto (7-2-3, 5) vs Hideo Mikan (9-13-2, 2) coming up now. If you missed the opening bout it's a DAMN good one well worthy of your 25 minutes
Tsujimoto Vs Mikan is one to avoid if you're thinking about watching this one on replay. Very dull bout.