
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:
“Thrilla” card takes shape
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 18 Sep 2025Wishing Best to Jayson Vayson in his World Title Challenge!
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 18 Sep 2025Vayson aims to make history
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 18 Sep 2025KAIPO GALLEGOS TRAINING CAMP NOTES
Thu, 18 Sep 2025Day Two of 2025 USA Boxing National Open Delivers 108 Action-Packed Bouts in Tulsa
Thu, 18 Sep 2025Bryce Mills Boxes James Bernadin At del Lago Resort & Casino On Thursday, Oct. 30, in Waterloo, NY
Thu, 18 Sep 2025Caribbean Clash Returns Friday, November 7th at Gulfstream Park Casino in Hallandale, Florida
Thu, 18 Sep 2025VM Sotto, City Council Recognize GM Joey Antonio
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 18 Sep 2025Larida is Southern Coach of the Year
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 18 Sep 2025D.C. Knockout Artist Scooter Davis Signs Promotional Contract with Top Rank
Thu, 18 Sep 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 15 SEPTEMBER 2025: Crawford Snatches Canelo's Undisputed Crown at 168 Lbs; Inoue Defeats Akhmadliev to Retain 4 Superbantam Belts; Crocker Outpoints Donovan
By Eric Armit, Wed, 17 Sep 2025TICKET NEWS: EUBANK JR-BENN II ON SALE FROM THIS WEDNESDAY
Wed, 17 Sep 2025“Night of Champions” Returns to Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando on September 19
Wed, 17 Sep 2025Canelo-Crawford: The Consolidation of Boxing’s New Commercial Empire
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 17 Sep 2025A New Era for Boxing: Canelo vs. Crawford Shatters Global Viewership Records on Netflix
By Dong Secuya, Wed, 17 Sep 2025