Takayama wins vacant IBO World minimum title
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 20 Dec 2024
GEN SANTOS CITY [Dec. 19] -- Katsunari Takayama of Japan is the new International Boxing Organization World minimumweight champion after he beat erstwhile unbeaten Kha Lu of Australia last night, December 18 at the Bula Gym in Gensan.
The 41-year-old Takayama showed the shorter Lu how boxing should be fought as he displayed constant motion in the whole 12-round bout.
Takayama, a former 4-time world champion, seemed not tired as he kept hitting Lu with punches left and right all the time.
It was only in the 9th round that Lu hurt Takayama with his punches.
Judges Nowel Haduca [118-110], Antonio Comia [119-109] and Rodney Marsh [120-108] scored all in favor of Takayama for a unanimous decision.
Takayama improved his record to 35 wins with 12 knockouts and nine loses, while the 24-year old Lu suffered his first setback after seven wins with three knockouts.
“Thanks to all of your encouragement and support, we were able to conquer five groups,” said Takayama.
Takayama has set a new record by becoming the only fighter in history to be crowned All-Body Champion at 105-pound - WBC [2005], WBA [2006], IBF [2013 & 2015], WBO [2014 & 2017] and IBO [2024].
Takayama was awarded by IBO supervisor Steve Scott the vacant golden belt in front of promoters Jim Claude “JC” Manangquil and Dexter Tan of Sanman Boxing.
It was the first IBO world title championship in boxing held in the Philippines.
"We did this in Gensan and two boxers, who are both foreigners,” said Manangquil.
Meanwhile, WBO Oriental bantamweight champion Reymart “Assasin” Gaballo of Polomolok scored a 3rd round knockout over James Pagalingof Misamis in the main supporting bout.
The other results:
Gabriel Santisima TKO’d Ponciano Remandiman in the 5th
Vince Paras TKO’d Anthony Gilbuela in 3rd round
Abubakar Yanon knockout Ernesto Camiguing in the 3rd round
Alex Santisima Jr. TKO’d Ryan Rey Ponteras in 3rd round
Dave Apolinario beat Jeny Boy Boca by a unanimous decision
CHAMP AGAIN. Katsuari Takayama is again a world champion with trainer Nobuhiro Ishida, a former WBA light middleweight champion.[photo by SANMAN]
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Lito delos Reyes.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Curry, Green Stinking the Joint to Spite Kerr, Resist Change in Dying Warriors Dynasty?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 21 Dec 2024Taguig Stallions Triumph as First-Ever Sharks Billiards Association Champions
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 21 Dec 2024All or nothing for Magsayo
By Joaquin Henson, Sat, 21 Dec 2024Male Bantam and Intermediate Champions Crowned on Day Four Two Divisions Finalized During Thursday’s Action at 2024 USA Boxing National Championships
Sat, 21 Dec 2024Usyk vs. Fury II: Can Tyson Fury Force Lineal Trilogy?
By Chris Carlson, Fri, 20 Dec 2024Pasko Fiesta sa Dabaw X’mas Challenge on Dec. 21-22
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 20 Dec 2024Rapid Chess Tournament goes to Laguna
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 20 Dec 2024PH Boxing in 2024 Much Better Than 2023; Looking Up To More Opportunities in 2025
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 20 Dec 2024Takayama wins vacant IBO World minimum title
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 20 Dec 2024Underrated heavyweight Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh Headlines January 10th
Fri, 20 Dec 2024Antaran beats Patac by Majority Decision
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 20 Dec 2024Andy Dominguez gets off canvas to defeat Angel Geovanny Meza Morales
Thu, 19 Dec 2024Katsunari Takayama Claims Vacant IBO World Minimumweight Title with Victory Over Kha Lu
Thu, 19 Dec 2024Female National Master to join 4th AQ Prime Standard Open Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 19 Dec 2024Does Donaire Deserve Another Title Crack?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 19 Dec 2024