Yudai Shigeoka won a majority decision. 115-113 twice. 114-114. A close fight, with Shigeoka edging it in the late rounds. Koura's inactivity probably cost him here. This was the first time Shigeoka had gone past 6 rounds. This was a big step up for Shigeoka, who improves to 4-0 (2 KOs), his inexperienced showed but he is still a work in progress with lots of improvements still to be made. This type of fight can only help with his development.
I saw the result on Twitter when I woke up this morning (less than an hour afterward; had planned on getting up early enough to watch). So it was scored fairly?
I thought it was accurate. Koura closed the gap in the mid rounds. Shigeoka clinched it with the final round.
The picture I saw of the verdict reading Koura looked miffed.. perhaps just disappointed with himself? Or did he legitimately have reason to believe he was could have gotten the nod?
Koura kept it close throughout the bout, he landed his right hand often & seemed to be turning the tide after 8 rounds, he was doing better on the inside. Shigeoka looked to be landing the cleaner, heavier punches over the last 3 rounds. He landed a big left that hurt Koura in the 10th. Koura looked tired, probably due to his inactivity. I think a draw is the best I could give Koura. He requested a rematch after the bout. I don't think that will happen immediately.
