JAPANESE BOXERS WIN WBC ASIA TITLES
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 13 Jun 2016
JAPANESE fighters Masazumi Furukawa and Erika Hanawa both invaded Mandaluyong City by storm as they scored contrasting wins against their Filipino rivals in the double main-header of the United Cup 12 boxing promotion last Friday night at at the Mandaluyong Elementary School.
Comebacking Furukawa lived up to his early prediction by knocking out Geboi Mansalayao of Cagayan de Oro in just 1:37 of the first round.
The 40-year old Furukawa immediately hit a solid body punch to knock down Mansalayao first at the start of the opening round. The Filipino still managed to stand up but was again hit by body shots for the knockout.
Furukawa earned the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Asian Boxing Council Silver flyweight title and improved his record to 8 wins with 3 knockouts against 7 loses and 2 draws.
Hanawa, on the other hand, had to use her speedy punches to survive against the hard-fighting Kristine ?Lady Iron Fists? Latube and won by a unanimous decision in their 6-round battle for the vacant WBC Asia Silver female atomweight title.
Hanawa, who earlier wanted to win by a KO, remained undefeated with 5 straight wins with 1 KO while Latube dropped
The 25-year old Hanawa could not believe at first that she had won the fight because her nosed was bloodied by Latube?s solid punches in the third round already.
Latube, however lost her composure and was already tired in the last two rounds.
?Naubusan ako ng lakas sa huling dalawang rounds kasi nagka-LBM ako sa umaga. Sumakit talaga ang tiyan ko,? said the 24-year old Latube, who suffered her 10th loss against one loss and two draws.
Latube previously lost to Yunoka Furukawa by a technical knockout in the 7th round held at the Meenayothin Camp in Bangkok last February 21 for the vacant OPBF female flyweight title.
WBC Asia supervisor Kiate Sirigul and Union International Boxing Promotions? Warren Elliot awarded the belts and trophies, respectively. They were assisted by co-promoter Brico Santig of Highland Promotion.
UNDERCARD
Former WBC Asia minimumweight champion Roilo Golez of Comval Province successfully made a comeback by a shocking 5th round knockout against Dayer Babutan of Mountain Province in the undercard.
After he got a cut on his right eyebrow due to an accidental headbutt in the 3rd round, Golez then launched an attack on his much-taller opponent. Despite being hit by Babutan?s jabs, Golez continued to keep closer until he finally caught him with a vicious left hook on the jaw.
?Ganun talaga ang boksing, meron talagang disgrasya,? said trainer Joven Jorda.
Meanwhile, United Stable?s Richard Claveras made a successful debut as a flyweight via a 9th round TKO win over John Juan Purisima of General Santos City.
Claveras, who kept hitting Purisima with low blows, improved to 15 wins-2 loses-2 draws-13 Kos. Purisima dropped to 11-9-1.
The other results:
Bener Santig of La Trinidad def. Alimar Francisco of Mandaluyong by TKO in 29 seconds of 3rd round.
Milven Mananquil of Manila settled a split draw with John Michael Zulueta of Bacolod.
Edward Mancito of Manila def. Julius Bala of Paranaque by a TKO during the rest period of 2nd round. - LITO DELOS REYES
Japanese Erika Hanawa (2nd from left) in jubilation after winning against Filipina boxer Kristine Latube by a unanimous decision in their battle for the vacant WBC Asia Silver female flyweight crown June 10 in Mandaluyong City. Also in photo are (from left) WBC Asia supervisor Kiate Sirigul, UIBP matchmaker Warren Elliot and referee Noel Haduca. (Photo by Lito delos Reyes)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Lito delos Reyes.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
GM Antonio outwits Kazakh GM, shares lead
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 26 Oct 2025Pedro Taduran Defends IBF 105 Belt Against Christian Balunan Sunday
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 25 Oct 2025DAVID ALCAIDE CROWNED INAUGURAL PHILIPPINES OPEN CHAMPION
Sat, 25 Oct 2025Bryce Mills vs. James Bernadin Venue Changed: Randolph House Hotel & Convention Center Will Host Pro/Am Card in Liverpool, New York
Sat, 25 Oct 2025Parker vs. Wardley: Who Will Keep Winning Streak Alive?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 25 Oct 2025Dante “The Inferno” Kirkman Stays Undefeated with Second-Round TKO in Southern California Debut
Sat, 25 Oct 2025Elmo Traya, Reymond Yanong, Ivan Ognayon in Action in Brico Santig's Show Today in Thailand, LIVE on TrillerTV
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 25 Oct 2025Alessio Bisutti Fights for WBF Heavyweight World Title in Highland Show October 25 in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 25 Oct 2025WEIGHTS FROM NIGHT OF KNOCKOUTS XXXVI AT MOTORCITY CASINO HOTEL TONIGHT IN DOWNTOWN DETROIT
Sat, 25 Oct 202530 people arrested in NBA gambling operation
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 25 Oct 2025GM Joey beats CM Marc in Italy World Senior Standard chess tourney to climb at 2nd place
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 25 Oct 2025RomyMac’s Ali memories
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 24 Oct 2025NBA Daily: Warriors Survive Gordon’s 50 to Beat Nuggets in Overtime 137-131
By Reylan Loberternos, Fri, 24 Oct 2025Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. wins world seniors blitz title in Italy
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 24 Oct 2025Russian athlete, first winner of 8 medals in a single Olympic Games, dies
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 24 Oct 2025