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4-Last Roundo!
Hamazaki knows he's likely behind and is looking to set the pace again, but Takahashi fires back and snaps his head back, blood coming from Takahashi's nose, head shots from Takahashi back up Hamazaki, just standing and teeing off on each other again, this is a low level, thrilling slow fest between two guys who tried boxing earlier and then decided to have a fight. Takahashi looking uncomfortable but trying to stay wuth Hamazaki, Takahashi's nose is a crimson mess, we've got about a minute lest and both just throwing hooks, in eash others face, 10 seconds, and we have a punch out to the bell.

Hamazaki takes round 4.

Erm scores could genuine be anywhere here... but Hamazaki, you are my new hero bro!

 

We have...a draw...can't argue there... But seriously guys if you get the chance check that out. Skip the first 2 rounds and enjoy the craziness of rounds 3 and 4.

 

Final bout of part 1
Arata Matsuoka (9-6, 4) vs Hideyuki Watanabe (8-12-3, 6)

 

For those watching Matsuoka is in gold and black and Watanabe in red and black. Looks like mismatch on paper but Watanabe's record is misleading.

1-Instantly get the feeling these two are about 10 levels above the last 4 fighters, they know what they are doing and are throwing straight, clean, crisp punches, a nice hook from Matsuoka lands, Watanabe trying to respond and turn it into a fight, Matsuoka the much better pure boxer, nice body shot from Watanabe, Matsuoka with another nice hook as they let shots go up close. Matsuoka's round

 

2-Matsuoka takes center ring, nice defense from Watanabe to avoid a jab and hook, Watanabe really is among the best fighters with a losing record out there, a battle of jabs for much of the round, Matsuoka with a nice body shot, get the feeling Watanabe is struggling with the speed of Matsuoka TBH, he does land a nice left late in the round though. 2-0 the younger man.

 

3-Watanabe setting a better tempo early in the round and he has Matsuoka on the back foot, the youngster countering decently, but he's not enjoying the pressure and this really is much, much better from Watanabe who lands an overhand left. Much better round from the veteran. 2-1 Matsuoka

 

4-Matsuoka responding to the previous round by trying to take the fight to Watanabe, who's having any momentum from the previous round taken away from him. We have fireworks as we go to the bell with both men letting leather fly. 3-1 Matsuoka

 

5-Matsuoka appears to be in a bit of a groove, Watanabe waiting too long and not getting off first could end up costing him here, Watanabe on the retreat as Matsuoka comes forward, nice body shot from Matsuoka. 4-1 Matsuoka

 

6-Watanabe landing some good overhand lefts but not enough of them, and they aren't hard enough to get Matsuoka's respect, Matsuoka pressing but not having any success midway through the round, think his right eye is closing TBH...another big left from Watanabe. 4-2

 

They had a towel wrapped around Matsuoka's head at the end of the last round, his face is certainly looking banged up

7-Watanabe looking to land left hands again, nice combination from Matsuoka, a lot of messy action inside now as both get too close and try to push the other around, Matsuoka les his hands go and has a nice burst of success, trading jabs, a good left from Watanabe, Matsuoka showing some nice moves late.

Both guys looked disappointed after that round. Was enough for Matsuoka to move 5-2 up on my card

 

8-Matsuoka coming forward and missing with everything, a nice right hook from Matsuoka, and a stiff jab, Watanabe on the retreat, a big left from Watanabe, a really nice right hook to the body from Matsuoka, and a good jab, another right hook to the body from Matsuoka, seems like he's been told to make a statement here, counter left from Watanabe, another good left from Watanabe, Watanabe's used a pretty decent jab but Matsuoka's has been better throughout - just not enough pepper on it.

6-2 Matsuoka for me

It's clear Matsuoka has talent, nice speed, and some good moves. He's missing out on hurtful power, and seems to be either defense or offense, and not able to transition the two too well, he also gets countered a lot. There's something to work there, but a lot of work needed.

Matsuoka gets the decision

 

Even though he's not going to have a fight Katsunari Takayama has got into the ring, looks like he's going to give an interview or something...Great to see the Lightning Kid in the ring, he looks in great shape

 

Takayama's interview for those wonder was pretty much:
"I'm looking forward to the return race for the first time in 4 years and 3 months, but I'm afraid I'm sorry but I want to push forward. Please wait for a while. I have been practicing in a very good environment since then. I will continue to devote myself. I will devote the energy of two games to the next race, "

Part 2 coming up in a minute

 

First bout of part 2
Shion Tamada (6-3, 3) v Wataru Ikegami (7-5-1, 4)

Followed by Ishii Vs Ishida and then Kano Vs Hirai

 

1-Tamada looking the quicker, sharper, cleaner fighter, Ikegami giving a good account of himself, but he's lacking the speed to keep up with the youngster who goes to the body well. Ikegami seemed to get rocked with a shot up top but then came alive and finished well. 10-9 Tamada