HEAVYWEIGHTS TAKE CENTER STAGE IN ALJOE JARO?S ANGONO FIGHT CARD
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 03 Feb 2015
Hidaka.
Although the Philippines has no heavyweight fighters, it's always interesting to see big guys fight and the country hasn?t seen a legitimate heavyweight bout since the famed ?Thrilla in Manila? between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier on October 1, 1975 at the Araneta Coliseum.
That will soon be set right when promoter Aljoe Jaro stages a battle for the vacant WBC Asia Boxing Council heavyweight title between Japan?s Rio Hidaka and Indonesia?s David Koswara at the Angono Sports Complex on February 15.
The 34 year old Hidaka has a record of 10-2 with 8 knockouts and can punch while the 38 year old Koswara?s record of 11-12-2 with 4 knockouts doesn?t instill a lot of confidence in his ability to beat Hidaka.
However, Hidaka who is rabked No. 9 by the Asian Boxing Council is coming off two successive losses in eight round bouts, both by unanimous decisions. In his last fight on July 25, 2013 Hidaka lost in a title eliminator to Kotatsu Takehara who is currently ranked No. 2 by the Japan Boxing Commission.
Hidaka had earlier lost to Gregory Tony on May 24, 2013.
Hall of Fame boxing man Joe, Koizumi reported that the previously unbeaten Hidaka, ?a stocky and sturdy puncher? dropped a unanimous decision to tall French heavyweight Gregory Tony over eight frustrating rounds? on May 24. 2013.?
He said Tony utilized his advantage in height and reach to nullify Rio?s vaunted power punching throughout the contest.
Reporting on Hidaka?s February 17, 2013 win over New Zealand?s Clarence Tillman (11-112, 6 KO?s) Koizumi said it was a lopsided decision over eight hard-fought rounds although Hidaka controlled the contest with his constant pressure and solid overhand rights while the much taller and heavier Tillman occasionally landed a vicious punch to the face.
He said this was because Hidaka was too anxious to finish his foe and looked tense and stiff and couldn?t throw punches smoothly but was the aggressor all the way against the 6?4? Tillman who withstood the Japanese banger?s shots and attempted to land his wicked right cross.
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