Boxing In Japan: Hasegawa Retains WBC Title In Kobe

The world’s top bantamweight was in action last night as Hozumi Hasegawa retained his WBC crown at World Memorial Hall in Kobe, Japan.

The 29 year old Kobe based southpaw hadn’t got much work in over the last 18 months, having stopped his previous four opponents in a total of six rounds during successive title defenses.

Last night’s victim, Nicaraguan southpaw Alvaro Perez came to Japan with the distinction of having gone 7-0 with a whopping three no-contests since 2006.

Although he’d never faced world class competition as a pro, Perez definitely came to win last night, as once the bout began at World Memorial Hall, the Nicaraguan puncher went right after the champion.

The strategy nearly paid off as the challenger shook Hasegawa in the second but could not improve upon his work. The champion regained his composure in the third and was controlling the action thereafter.

The fourth frame proved to be the last as Hasegawa landed a clean power left that downed Perez and caused the bout to be called off at 2:38 of the round.

Hasegawa, 28-2 (12), retains his WBC strap for the tenth time since winning the title from Veeraphol Sahaprom in 2005 while Perez falls to 18-2-1 (12).

In other action last night, ex-WBC flyweight title challenger Daigo Nakahiro, 21-2-1 (8), was held to a majority draw by undefeated Yokohama prospect Ryo Akaho, 13-0-2 (7), over 10 rounds as Nakahiro made the second defense of his Japanese super flyweight belt.