Sidney Boquiren of RingwalkNippon has all the latest Japanese boxing news including an update on Hozumi Hasegawa.  For more Japanese boxing updates, you can follow Sidney on twitter: RingwalkNippon@Twitter

Rocky Fuentes Defeats Masafumi Okubo for OPBF Title

Attempting to make the fourth defense of his OPBF Flyweight title, Masafumi Okubo dropped a majority decision to OPBF #1 rated Rocky Fuentes on Tuesday by scores of 114-116 and 113-115 against one even 114-114 card. Rated #8 by the WBC, the champion was unable to match the activity of the more experienced Filipino, which proved to be the deciding factor on the scorecards.

While Okubo was able to hold his own in the beginning of the bout and bang with the challenger, he could not defend against the stronger Fuentes’ left hook. Nikkan Sports reports that Fuentes, who sports a draw with former world title holder Chana Porpaoin on his record, was able to accurately land his left uppercut and later followed that with hooks when Okubo began to lower his guard.

Okubo’s team had hoped to use this fight as a springboard toward a world title bout, and was certainly counting on the strength of that WBC rating. With the regional title out of his hands, a likely drop in his ranking, and, most importantly, WBC titleholder Koki Kameda’s lack of interest in fighting him (that’s speculation, of course, but I would be surprised if Kameda knew Okubo existed…), pushing for a rematch may be in his best interest.

The now former champion has a unique background being the first Japanese OPBF titleholder never to have held a ranking with the Japanese Boxing Commission before claiming the belt. Okubo had left boxing for six years following his second pro fight, and despite rolling up victories since his return, was never ranked before he fought for the vacant title in April 2008.

Okubo’s record drops to 16-3-1, with 5KO, while the new champion advances to 25-6-2 (15KO).

Hasegawa & Nashiro Hold Public Sparring Session

WBC Bantamweight champion Hozumi Hasegawa and WBA Super Flyweight beltholder Nobuo Nashiro engaged in four rounds of sparring on Tuesday, reported Sponichi, with both men looking sharp.

This is not the first time the two have sparred with each other. As posted on RingwalkNippon, there is video of a 2007 session they had before Hasegawa’s 5th defense. Asahi.com pointed out that the relationship between the two goes beyond maintaining headquarters in the Kansai region, quoting Hasegawa as saying "He’s like a friend. I hope that we are both able to continue to win." Meanwhile the humble Nashiro said, "Hasegawa-san is a huge presence. I’m thankful." (That makes perfect sense in Japanese, while it sounds a little awkward in English…)

Hasegawa’s Weight & The Filipino Flash

Sports Hochi covered Hasegawa’s first sparring session for this defense on Monday, noting that the champ is already at 61kg (134.5lbs). Between fights, the champ is often above 140lbs, and needs to lose 10-12kg or more in order to make 118. As mentioned in a previous post, he is consulting with a nutritionist in order to come down in weight more effectively.

The same article speculates about a future showdown with current WBA Interim Super Flyweight champion Nonito Donaire, noting that the Filipino Flash has predicted a Hasegawa victory over WBO titleholder Fernando Montiel. Hasegawa commented, "It will get interesting if strong boxers gather (at 118)." While it is somewhat funny that no one ever mentions Nashiro vs. Donaire, they are the full and interim champions of the same belt after all, Hasegawa vs. Donaire would be an excellent fight. As it seems that Donaire would even be willing to come out here, let’s hope that can get done without the drama that continues to surround Hasegawa/Montiel.

After the final bell… Miscellaneous notes, tidbits, and updates in Japanese boxing as well as the occasional random thought from yours truly…

Speaking of Montiel, how much money does the guy want? I’m in the same boat with Scott Christ at Bad Left Hook thinking that the Hasegawa fight will be a bigger payday for him than a defense against Eric Morel, if that’s who he’ll end up fighting if he does not come to Japan.

One of the other names that stands out on Rocky Fuentes’ ledger is Panomroonglek Kratingdaenggym, the highly touted Thai prospect. Despite carrying in an 8-0, 5KO record with him into the ring when they met, Fuentes lost by UD to the debuting Panomroonglek.

e-mail Sidney Boquiren

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