The renaissance of Japanese professional boxing

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Rojas-Nashiro presser
Photos: Zanfer Boxing

Motivated and confident in his great preparation, Thomas “Gusano” Rojas (34-12-1, 23 KOs) said he is ready to defend his title WBC super flyweight title on Saturday in Osaka, against local challenger Nobuo “Samurai” Nashiro (14-2-1, 9 KOs). The fighters faced off at a news conference at the luxurious Hotel Nikko Osaka, where despite the prevailing respect between the two contenders you can just feel this will be a great fight.

“I had a great preparation for over two and a half months,” said Rojas. “I feel good in this country (Japan) because it was here I won my world championship and I’m convinced that the title will return to Mexico where I received great support. I dedicate this fight to all the people of Mexico and will bring the title back no matter what. I’m Mexican, I am a warrior.”

Nashiro, who dressed as a Samurai, said in no way would he spoil an opportunity as great as this to fight for a world title at home and confirmed that he made a great preparation. “I’m going to show in the ring why I’m called ‘the Samurai.’ I am a warrior who will be pitiless and give everything to achieve victory and become the next world champion.”

The referee for the bout will be Rocky Burke.

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Three of Japan’s top boxing stars will be in action on April 8 at the Ryogoku Sumo Hall in Tokyo, Japan. WBC super featherweight world champion Toshiaki Nishioka (37-4-3, 23 KOs) defending his crown for the sixth time against Argentinean Mauricio Muñoz (21-2, 9 KOs). WBC featherweight champion Hozumi Hasegawa (29-3, 12 KOs) will defend against mandatory challenger and former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez (47-7, 41 KOs) of Mexico. And WBC super featherweight world champion Takari Aoh (20-2-1, 9 KOs) confronts Mexican Humberto Gutierrez (28-2-1, 20 KOs). The mega-event is presented by Teiken Boxing Promotions and was announced today at a press conference at the Hotel Grand Palace in Tokyo.

 

I've long enjoyed both Japan's boxing and (in decline) MMA scene. I'm a little more cautious in praise than some other takes in this thread though. Japanese boxing features a lot of politics, odd decisions/match-making, and favoritism. Not exactly a scene that other Asian fighters are always keen on. Still, without doubt, a very good boxing history. Lots of good action recently for sure, looking forward to the April 8th Hasegawa, Nishioka, and Ao card.

Conversely, I'm way less impressed with Koki Kameda than some others. This kid is exhibit A of Japanese home-cooking for it's domestic audience (at the moment). Largely suspect match-making and highly questionable politics to open up his recent belt win. An attitude/act that almost makes David Haye look palatable. I'll give him a fair shake in that he keeps adding polish and showed some quick hands and good timing in his belt win. I really dug that he went for the KO late. Still, so-so overall mechanics against a shot opponent with no accuracy or defense. If the kid can beat any of the top Latin fighters at 118 I'll sing a different tone on him. I think competing at Junior Bantam may be a better route for him though.

 

I wonder why the top japanese fighters do not have a better recordlist
Nashiro two losses in 17 fights
Hasegawa three losses in 32 fights
Aoh two losses in 23 fights
you might wonder if there is something wrong, its just to many losses
We know there is a lot of asian criminals betting and bribe people in european fotball

 

The best mexicans had/have impressing recordlists and only get their losses in big-fights. Your description remind more about russian boxing.
Bur you know japanese boxing and i dont.
My theory was if there was some big upset results it could be that mafia/syndicates did create them to get big money like they do in european fotball.

 

You know the exact time BigBone?

 

The results are up on Boxrec. If you want to avoid spoilers to wait for the wbcboxing.tv delayed broadcast, don't look there.

 

This is a good win for both Ioka and the Japanese TV station, which aired this fight.
But Ioka has to prove whether he is the real deal or not from now on.

 

This kid was like a 9 time amateur champ in Japan, or something like that. I knew he could make some noise, and, coincidently, he did!:good Another upset in Japanese boxing. I love it.

 

Damn. What a hellacious body shot.. I wanna see more of him!