Nishida Decisions Medina, Wins IBF 118 Eliminator
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 12 Aug 2023
In his most important fight thus far, World-ranked bantamweight southpaw Ryosuke Nishida 西田凌佑 (8-0, 1 KO), outsmarted and out-boxed more-experienced Christian "Chispa" Medina Jimenez (21-4, 14 KO's) of Guadalajara, Mexico, over 12 rounds of action to win the IBF 118 Eliminator yesterday, Friday, August 11, at the EDION Arena in Osaka, Japan.
Despite not having ravaging power in his fists, Nishida landed continuously through the guard of the coming-forward Mexican bull, controlling him round after round to claim a well-deserved unanimous decision win, which unfolded without any of the two warriors visiting the EDION Arena white and yellow canvas.
Official tallies were wide 118-110, 116-112 and 117-111 in favor of the more effective Nishida.
The 23-year-old Mexican Christian "Chispa" (meaning "Spark") Medina Jiménez - who hails from the same city of boxing super star Canelo Alvarez, was game and brave in battle, although the Nippon fighter's superiority was clear in Osaka.
The winner Nishida acknowledged Medina's strength, saying, "This fight was the hardest thing I've ever done."
Meanwhile, his coach Kosuke Takeichi admitted that "We slowed down in the second half.
"From around the 9th round, the accuracy of our punches dropped.
"Next, we'll fight a world champion, that's what we are aiming for.
"Tonight, got hope and got valuable experience."
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More talented Nishida, 27, proved to fans that with only 8 fights in his pro record, he is ready to take on the IBF Bantamweight World Champion NEXT.
The promising Japanese will challenge the winner of the IBF Bantamweight World title clash between Puerto Rican former champ Emmanuel Rodriguez (21-2, 13 KO's) and Nicaraguan slugger Melvin Lopez (29-1, 19 KO's) tomorrow at the MGM Grand Las Vegas.
Promoter Koki Kameda will try to have the fight of Nishida against the winner of the Rodriguez vs Lopez in January 2024 in Japan. Will that happen?
Today's entertaining 12-rounder in Osaka was produced by Promoter 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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