Nishida vs Medina: Battle of World Ranked Bantams Friday in Japan
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 09 Aug 2023
In a hot clash of world-ranked bantamweight warriors, Japanese southpaw Ryosuke Nishida 西田凌佑 (7-0, 1 KO), wages the toughest fight of his life when he trades knuckles against more-experienced, heavier-puncher Christian "Chispa" Medina Jimenez (21-3, 14 KO's) of Guadalajara, Mexico, this coming Friday, August 11, at the EDION Arena in Osaka, Japan.
The winner for the hot 12-rounder will most decidedly improve his world-ranking, pushing him to a world title shot in the always thrilling bantamweight division.
So, VICTORY Friday in Osaka is something bright and precious that both young fighters so badly want. But who will get?
In his last rumble, the promising 27-year-old Nishida dominated the strong Thailand warrior Songsaeng Phoyaem (21-4, 14 KO's) for a successful defense of his regional WBO Asian belt.
Thanks to that triumph, the skilled southpaw, living in Osaka, enters the fight as WBC #10, WBO #9, and IBF #5 in the world, wanting more than anything to improve those rankings, as well as keeping his coveted WBO Asia belt.
Nishida already encountered tough on opponents in his fledgling pro career, such as in his third pro fight against fellow Nippon warrior Shohei Omori, controlling him en route to a win by points.
Nishida lands a hard right on fellow Japanese warrior Shohei Omori en route to a win by points.
However, with only one KO win in his seven battles, the talented Nishida does not impress fans as a power hitter fighter. Still, could he stop Christian Medina?
Meanwhile, the Mexican Christian "Chispa" (meaning "Spark") Medina Jiménez - who hails from the same city of boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez, feels so confident and so focused in his first war outside of his native Mexico.
The 23-year-old Christian is currently ranked as WBC #13, WBO #5, and IBF #6.
Will the talented Nishida, 27, outbox and out-smart the coming-forward Christian Medina for another win by points?
Christian Medina punishes his opponent with a hard left.
Or will Christian Medina make good use of his wider fighting experience and firepower to overwhelm and dominate the skilled and fast Nishida in Nishida's own backyard of Osaka?
When Christian Medina wins by KO, he punishes his opponents with hard lefts. Could he do the same against the evasive, elusive and quick Nishida?
Friday's exciting 12-rounder in Osaka is produced by promoter and former world champion Koki Kameda live on ESPN.
The author, boxing writer Carlos Costa, can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and WhatsApp +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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