Magramo-Nakatani Set Nov. 6; Mama to go up against Mthalane
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 20 Oct 2020
Just as when Filipino boxing fans are about to give up on Geimel Magramo's chances of entering Japan for the opportunity to fight Junto Nakatani for the vacant WBO flyweight title, came this good news courtesy of Asian Boxing website:
The on again, off again, on again, off again vacant WBO Flyweight title bout between unbeaten Japanese hopeful Junto Nakatani (20-0, 15) and once beaten Filipino Giemel Magramo (24-1, 20) appears to be sorted, out with a new date now set.
The bout has appeared on the Japan Boxing Commissiom Official Supporters Club (JOSC) schedule, and is listed as being the main event of a Teiken promoted show on November 6, 2020 at the Korakuen Hall.
Originally the bout was supposed to have taken place in April, before boxing was put on hiatus in Japan due to the on going global situation. It was then rescheduled multiple times, but Magramo was unable to travel to Japan due to issues related to the on going pandemic and problems with securing a visa.
Apparently, Japanese authorities have relaxed their rules in international travel and it's now assumed that Magramo would be allowed entry to the country. Hopefully, the date for his bout with Nakatani has been finally set with no more delays or issues.
The Asian News also carried the story about Dan Rafael writing for Boxingscene breaking the news that IBF Flyweight champion Moruti Mthalane (39-2, 26) would be back in action on December 20, 2020 defending his belt in South Africa against Filipino challenger Jayson Mama (15-0, 8).
According to the report from Rafael the bout will be a mandatory defense for the 38 year old Mthalane, and will see him fighting in KwaZulu-Natal, his hometown, for the first time in his career.
For Mthalane the bout will be his 4th defense of the belt he won in a close decision over Muhammad Waseem back in July 2, 2018. Since then he had been a run against Japanese challengers, including former champion Akira Yaegashi who he sent into retirement at the end of 2019. That win over Yaegashi was Mthalane's most recent bout, and he will have been out for close to a year heading into this bout with Mama.
As for Mama this is a massive step up in class. The Filipino 23 year old though holds wins over Fahlan Sakkreerin Jr, in what was an IBF Flyweight tournament bout and former WBA Minimumweight champion Kwanthai Sithmorseng. Interestingly he has twice fought outside of the Philippines but this will be his first fight outside of Asia.
Will youth be served in this fight or will be old lion keep his kingship?
With Nonito Donaire fighting Nordine Oubaali for the WBC bantamweight crown also this December, we are looking at the prospects of three additional world champions by yearend.
The author Teodoro Medina Reynoso is a veteran boxing radio talk show host living in the Philippines. He can be reached at teddyreynoso@yahoo.com and by phone 09215309477.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Teodoro Medina Reynoso.
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