Katsunari Takayama ends sparring, excited to face Kha Lu
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 07 Dec 2024
FORMER three-time world champion Katsunari Takayama of Japan has ended his sparring session and is excited to face unbeaten Kha Lu of Australia on December 18 at Bula Gym in General Santos City.
"Just today, I cut it out of the sparring. I'm excited to be able to challenge for the IBO title," said 41-year-old Takayama.
Takayama is expected to arrive together with his former WBA light middleweight champion Nobuhiro Ishida.
His sparring partner was Shishimaru Takaya, a Japan and OPBF contender.
“There has been a pretty good development in my training,” said Takayama.
In his last fight, Takayama beat Jerome “The Machine” Baloro of Cavite by unanimous decision on September 10, 2023 at the EDION Arena in Osaka, Japan.
“Things are going well,” said Takayama.
Takayama now has 34 wins with 12 knockouts against nine losses while Lu has seven wins with three knockouts.
The Takayama-Lu 12-round title-fight is promoted by the Sanman Boxing Promotion under Jean Claude Manangquil, John Ray Manangquil and Dexter Tan.
LAST FIGHT. Katsunari Takayama of Japan [left] fights Jerome Baloro of Cavite last year. [file photo]
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Lito delos Reyes.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Efe Ajagba vs Charles Martin: Zuffa Heavyweights Square Off on Sunday
By Chris Carlson, Sun, 15 Feb 2026“The Nightmare” Back in Action: Oguni vs Tapales April 3 in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 15 Feb 2026Cold Comfort: Tapales and Vitor Frozen Out in Moscow Heartbreaker
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 14 Feb 2026WBC Celebrates 63 years of dedication to the sports and fighters
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 14 Feb 2026BOXING STARS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LINING UP FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND IN "BOXING’S HOMETOWN"
Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Brico Santig's Valentine's Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 13 Feb 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
Fri, 13 Feb 2026IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
Fri, 13 Feb 20263 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Fri, 13 Feb 2026Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 11 Feb 2026