KYOGUCHI STOPS BUDLER, WRESTS WBA LIGHTFLY CROWN
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 31 Dec 2018
MACAU ? Japan's Hir?to 'Mad Boy' Kyoguchi dominated defending champion Hekkie Budler of South Africa en route to a 10th round stoppage to capture the WBA super world light flyweight crown at the Grand Theater of Macacu Palace Cotai here Monday afternoon.
Budler scored with combinations early in the fight but it was apparent Kyoguchi was the stronger fighter whose punches were more heavier than Budler. Budler made the contest close in the first six rounds but Kyoguchi began to dominate starting the seventh round when his left uppercuts found a home at Budler's head. The telling 7th round also saw Kyoguchi connected with with heavy rights. In the eight round, Budler tried to adjust by not mixing it up and threw his combinations in batches but Kyoguchi still found a way to connect with his uppercuts. In the 9th round, Kyoguchi bloodied the nose of Budler who visibly now appeared weak. Kyoguchi kept the pressure in the 10th round inflicting a cut on Budler's right eyebrow as the South African tried to survive the Japanese's onslaught. Budler's corner later signaled surrender and did not allow the now former champion to get back into the fight after the end of the 10th round for a TKO win for Taguchi. Judges scores: 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94 all in favor of Kyoguchi. Philoxing had it 97-93 for Kyoguchi.
Next up... Moruti Mthalane vs Masahiro Sakamoto for Mthalane's IBF world flyweight crown.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Chezka Centeno ready for world 10-ball title defense
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 27 Jun 2026Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis: Breakout Moment in Brooklyn
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 27 Jun 2026GAB Must Look Into Exploitation of Rated Filipino Fighters in Japan
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 27 Jun 2026TITLE FIGHT ON: Zayas and "Boots" Ennis Hit the Scales for Brooklyn Super-Welterweight Showdown
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 27 Jun 2026USC's Galen Center confirmed as Martinez-Plantic, Lopez-Carrillo venue August 29, live on ProBoxTV
Sat, 27 Jun 2026July 4: Albert Bell Steps In to Challenge Abdullah Mason in All-Ohio WBO Lightweight World Title Showdown at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center LIVE on TNT and DAZN
Fri, 26 Jun 2026Zamboanga relinquishes her ONE Women’s title
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 26 Jun 2026Top-ranked Charly Suarez facing Manuel Avila, plus two more fights added to July 18 ProBoxTV event
Fri, 26 Jun 2026Yanon fights Kaji in Tokyo on July 4
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 26 Jun 2026Preparations underway for 2026 IBA men’s divisional continental championships
Fri, 26 Jun 2026Highland Boxing Promotions Presents "Warrior Showdown" in Bangkok on June 27
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Usyk reportedly considering retirement but could face Kabayel before the year ends
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Luke Littler and Ben Whittaker join forces as Matchroom Sport takes over New York City
Thu, 25 Jun 2026IOC Announces $10,000 'Fit for the Future' Grant for All Qualifying Olympians, Including Boxers
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Boxers did it first: IBA President welcomes IOC’s decision on allocating funds among athletes
Thu, 25 Jun 2026