November 8, 1999

TOKYO, JAPAN-Rugged fighter HIDEKI TODAKA, 115, kept his WBA super-flyweight title, as he maintained the pressure on previously unbeaten lefty AKIHIKO NAGO, 115, and dominated the proceedings with his aggressiveness to win a unanimous decision over 12 rounds.

Some 7,000 fans were in attendance in the 10th world title bout between Japanese compatriots, eventually 9 champs winning and one champ losing therein.

Nago, who had iced 11 victims in 15 wins, was regarded a a prefight favorite due to his superior power punching. Plus, he is managed by ex-WBA junior fly champ Yoko Gushiken who registered 13 defenses in 1976 through 1981 to his credit. Plus, Nago was scouted by Gushiken after winning a couple of All Japan high school championships and had been training under his tutelege. Plus, this title bout took place at Nago's home-turf, Tokyo, against the champ from Nagoya.

However, Todaka, who dethroned Venezuelan Jesus Kiki Rojas on July 31, proved he was much tougher and more experienced than the nervous golden boy. Todaka's constant pressure didn't make Nago look what he used to be. Nago's vaunted southpaw left hooks often missed the target, hitting only the air. He was really a disappointment.

Todaka initiated his persistent attack from the opening canto, throwing good straight rights to the still stiff lefty. Nago kept backpedaling and landed just a solid left to the onrushing champ.

The pugnacious champ seemed to be in command in almost every round in the first half. Nago was forced to retreat to avert Todaka's busy combinations. The nervous southpaw repeatedly grabbed the champ to keep him from punching inside. Referee Armando Garcia sometimes gave him warnings for his numerous clinching and holding.

There were few rounds Nago seemingly took-7th, 10th and 12th when Todaka came on forward with Nago occasionally landing some of roundhouse right hooks. The difference of the numbers of punches was so obvious that it was clear which the winner was.

Todaka almost perfectly solved Nago's lefty style with effective rights and body shots that weakened Gushiken's pupil as the contest progressed.

Scored-Duane Ford (US) 115-113, Fernando Viso (Venezuela) 116-113, and Francisco Sandoval (Venezuela) 116-114, all for Todaka, 16-2-1, 7 KOs. Nago, 3 years his junior at 23, tasted his first defeat and dropped to 15-1, 11 KOs.

The jubilant Todaka said, "I intended to hit three when receiving one from Nago. I controlled the fight all the way. I fought as my trainer Mack Kurihara instructed." The crestfallen challenger repented of his poor performance, saying, "I was cool, but couldn't find openings. I knew I had to be more aggressive to win."

UNDERCARDS:
Mexican import DAVID MURILLO, 124 3/4, pounded out a unanimous decision over Korean super-bantam champ KIOH KIL, 125, over 10. But Kil showed his durability and toughness against the busier and younger opponent. Murillo bettered his mark to 17-2, 14 KOs. Kil, the OPBF No.2 ranked contender, fell to 9-4-2, 4 KOs. But the Korean was a much better boxer than his credentials indicated. Kil is slated to fight Japanese lefty Shin Yamato in a bid for the vacant OPBF super-bantam title in Tokyo on Feb. 5.

Beer-barreled KIMITAKA SAKAI, 211 3/4, dropped New Zealand's OGOLELEI MAKATA, 196, once in the second and twice more in the next round, stopping him at 2:48 of the third session in a scheduled 6. Sakai is 6-1, 3 KOs.

Promoter: Midori Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions. WBA supervisor: Gilberto Jesus Mendoza (Venezuela). (11-7-99)

SCORESHEETS

ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
TODAKA 10 10 9 10 10 10 9 10 10 9 10 9 116
NAGO 9 10 10 9 9 9 10 9 9 10 9 10 113

DUANE FORD (US)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
TODAKA 10 10 9 10 9 10 9 10 10 9 10 9 115
NAGO 9 9 10 9 10 9 10 9 9 10 9 10 113

FRANCISCO SANDOVAL (VENEZUELA)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
TODAKA 9 10 9 10 10 10 9 10 10 10 10 9 116
NAGO 10 9 10 9 10 9 10 9 10 9 9 10 114

REFEREE: ARMANDO GARCIA (US)

PS The impression of the Japanese crowd on the official verdict was that Todaka should have won by a much more wider margin, since he was a very obvious victor. Some of Todaka's adherents complained of the tallies. It is true that we, in Japan, may tend to evaluate clean effective hitting and aggressiveness rather than ring generalship. Nago was too sporadic, while Todaka maintained his aggressiveness. This reporter scored 117-111, giving only three to Nago and nine to Todaka.

-- Joe Koizumi
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