Japanese Scene: Matsuda Loses Title to Alibio, Sasaki Wins by KO

Sidney Boquiren recaps the latest boxing action from Japan.  For more Japanese boxing updates, you can follow Sidney on twitter: RingwalkNippon@Twitter

Matsuda loses title as corner throws in towel

Lady Luck was not looking gracefully upon featherweight fringe contender Naoki Matsuda on Saturday when he attempted to make the second defense of his OPBF crown. After an accidental clash of heads in the initial frame, the 34-year old had a bad gash over his left eye. Exchanging knockdowns in rounds two and three, the champ continued to fight on until the sixth, when his opponent, Jonel Alibio, sent Matsuda down for the count again. Though the veteran got up to a knee by seven, his corner had seen enough and threw in the towel.

According to unofficial reports, Alibio was the first to strike as a right hand forced Matsuda’s glove to touch the canvas in the second. The defending champ returned the favor in the third, similarly with a right hand, and also benefited when the Filipino was docked a point for a rabbit punch. However, with the bleeding continuing to be an issue, Matsuda was rocked in the sixth with a right and put down by the ensuing flurry.

The 16-year veteran has long been a contender on the national and regional level, but has never been able to rise to world-class status. Though he was briefly mentioned as a possible opponent for Jorge Solis a few months back, the furthest he has progressed has been a title eliminator back in 2008 (which resulted in a two round TKO at the hands of Guty Espadas Jr.). Though he told press before this bout that he was in the best condition of his career, Matsuda’s last two fights have been the controversial victory that won him the title in March and a mediocre performance in July after hurting his back.

With the loss, Matsuda falls to 30-9-4, 13KO. Murmurs as to whether he will continue his career or retire will likely be heard in the next few weeks. Do not be surprised, however, if his name happens to be mysteriously found in the top 15 of the WBA’s 122-pound rankings in the coming months. Currently ranked #10 at feather, I have a strange feeling that he could be offered a chance at Ryol Li Lee for the champ’s first defense.

Sasaki KO’s Geisler AP with a single left hook in the 7th

In the main supporting bout of Saturday’s card, Motoki Sasaki retained his regional junior welterweight title by deposing Geisler AP in seven frames. Making the first defense of the title he won from Randy Suico in July, the 35-year old bided his time early in this bout until finding the right opportunity. That chance came in the seventh stanza when he caught the Indonesian flush with a left hook, sending him down for the full count. Sasaki improved to 35-8-1, 22KO.

Marking his third straight victory since being outclassed by Viacheslav Senchenko in October of last year, Sasaki hopes to make another run at a world title. Already 35 years old, the probability that he gets that shot is quite small in a crowded 140-pound division, one that also includes gymmate and top prospect Yoshihiro Kamegai.

More Boxing Notes

• Though contracts have not yet been finalized, details for Daiki Kameda’s second defense of his flyweight trinket are now being made public. The 21-year old beltholder is being matched with Silvio Olteanu (11-3, 5KO) of Romania for December 26 at Saitama Super Arena. Olteanu, the WBA’s #15 112-pounder, did not turn pro until he was 27 but is coming off his biggest career victory over former world title challenger Bernard Inom. Also appearing on the card will be Koki Kameda, who will again test the waters above flyweight, and younger brother Tomoki making the first defense of his youth crown.
• Hours after Kazuto Ioka’s handlers spoke to the media to announce that they are getting closer to signing a deal to bring Omar Nino out to Japan, the WBC light flyweight champ lost his strap to journeyman Gilberto Keb Bass by majority decision. Sponichi reports that the phenom’s representatives have already moved on to signing a December fight with the new beltholder. Plus, Jiji.com posted that Bass-Ioka has been decided as the WBC approved Ioka as the opponent of the winner of Saturday’s bout. Should the showdown be finalized, it could be a part of the Kameda broadcast on December 26.

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For more coverage of Japanese boxing, follow Sidney on Twitter: RingwalkNippon@Twitter