Moruti Mthalane Decisions Masayuki Kuroda, Retains IBF Flyweight Belt in Tokyo, Japan
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 14 May 2019
A successful second world title defense for the veteran. South African IBF Flyweight World Champion Moruti "Baby Face" Mthalane (38-2, 25 KO's) scored a unanimous decision win over Japanese warrior Masayuki Kuroda (30-8-3, 16 KO's) to retain his shining red and golden belt today, Monday, May 13, at the famed Korakue Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
The experienced Moruti Mthalane made good use his ring savvy and toughness to deal with the strong Kuroda, a warrior made of steel.
Official tallies were 116-112 (twice) and 117-111 all in favor of the 36-year-old tough fighter from the land of Nelson Mandela.
With the win, Mthalane successfully gets a foothold on his new reign as IBF 112-pound king, vowing to be ready for any other tough challenger or fellow champion anytime, anywhere.
Mthalane is trained by his longtime friend, award-winning South African coach Colin Nathan.
On the losing corner, Masayuki Kuroda, again falls short of conquering a world title. Six years ago the fully-committed boxer Kuroda tried hard to win a belt in his battle against then champion Juan Carlos Reveco, losing by points. Same this time.
Still, the brave Masayuki Kuroda, 32, who ended the war with a swollen, almost shut right eye -- hurtful evidence of Mthalane's accurate counter left hooks -- is Japan's flyweight national champion.
The Mthalane vs Kuroda rumble for the IBF Flyweight world title today Monday, May 13, was a production of promoter Shosei Nitta of Kawasaki Nitta Promotions.
The author Carlos Costa is a Panama boxing reporter living in the Philippines. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and whatsapp/viber/wechat: +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
World Boxing Announces Elite Division World Rankings
Sun, 19 Oct 2025BEN WHITTAKER PRESS CONFERENCE: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID AS NEW MATCHROOM SIGNING MEETS GAVAZI – PLUS: VUONG vs GWYNNE II
Sun, 19 Oct 2025BIADO, YAPP, AND DUONG POWER TEAM ASIA TO THE BRINK OF GLORY
Sat, 18 Oct 2025Prado, Catubig dominate DTI Run
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 18 Oct 2025YORK HALL FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS: GEORGE LIDDARD MAKES HISTORY TO BECOME THE YOUNGEST EVER BRITISH MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION
Sat, 18 Oct 2025Usyk in Bare Knuckle event?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 18 Oct 2025IIEE Singapore tops National Chess Olympiad, Quezon City Simba's Tribe wins 2 matches in PCAP
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 18 Oct 2025Liddard Destroys Conway to Claim British Middleweight Title, Becomes Youngest-Ever Champion
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 18 Oct 2025Keiron Conway vs George Liddard: Unbeaten Prospect Faces Stiff Challenge
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 18 Oct 2025Alicaba to fight for WBC Asian Continental super fly
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 18 Oct 2025DAY TWO: STARBOY MANAS STEALS THE SHOW AS TEAM ASIA EXTENDS PERFECT RUN
Sat, 18 Oct 2025MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS INTRODUCES CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND VICE PRESIDENT TONY COHEN
Sat, 18 Oct 2025Joseph Subia Signs with Wise Owl Boxing
Sat, 18 Oct 2025Sirimongkhol, Midgley Make Weight for WBF World Title in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 17 Oct 2025ICTSI South Pacific on Oct. 28-31
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 17 Oct 2025