Yudai Shigeoka Stops Wilfredo "Bimbito" Mendez in 7, Wins WBC 105 Interim Title
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 17 Apr 2023
Japanese KO Artist Yudai Shigeoka (7-0, 5 KO's), scored the most important win of his boxing career by devastatingly punishing and stopping Puerto Rican former world champ Wilfredo "Bimbito" Mendez to claim the WBC Interim Minimumweight yesterday, April 16, in Tokyo, Japan.
From the getgo, the skilled 26-year-old Yudai, born in Kumamoto in Southern Japan, proved to be the superior fighter, continuously landing over "Bimbito" with damaging power and accuracy, staggering the brave Boricua fighter, who could never fight his rhythm of combat.
The fateful end arrived at the very beginning of frame 7 when the commanding Nippon rising-star completely and devastatingly overpowered and finished "Bimbito," forcing veteran American third man Frank Garza to wave off the uneven battle off at the 25 seconds mark in round 7.
The Philippines' GAB Chairman Richard Clarin, acting as WBC Supervisor, declared the official result and a brand new green and gold WBC belt was awarded to the destructive Yudai Shigeoka.
Yudai's younger brother, Ginjiro", also conquered an interim minimumweight belt in the show, a fantastic evening of victories for the young Shigeoka brothers, promoted by former 3-division champ Koki Kameda.
Now, what is next for Yudai?
It is hoped by boxing fans that Yudai's next battle will be against the more-experienced reigning WBC "Regular" Minimumweight World Champion Panya Pradabsri (39-1, 23 KO's) of Thailand.
In fact, the two men were supposed to battle in Japan, but unfortunately, Panya had to pull out due due to a sudden illness, being currently in a sick leave, fans hoping he'll get healed and back to normal the soonest.
Then, whenever the fight of Panya Pradabsri vs Yudai Shigeoka happens - as widely expected it will - would the skilled, hard-swinging Yudai be able to deliver a similar thrillingly powerful performance over the talented and ring-savvy Thai star?
Or will it be Panya the one to outsmart, outbox and defeat Japan's newly crowned boxing champ?
Photo: Yudai Shigeoka gets his new WBC Interim 105 belt as promoter Koki Kameda and WBC supervisor and Philippines' GAB Chairman Richard Clarin look on.
The author, veteran boxing writer Carlos Costa, can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and whatsapp/viber +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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