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:
Weigh-In Results: Brian Norman Jr. vs. Jin Sasaki
Wed, 18 Jun 2025CLARESSA SHIELDS VS. LANI DANIELS PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Wed, 18 Jun 2025Brian Norman Jr.: "This Championship Belt Means Everything to Me!"
Wed, 18 Jun 2025Julian Gonzalez Takes on Former World Title Challenger Jason Sanchez in Main Event on Friday, June 27th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia
Wed, 18 Jun 2025IBA reaffirms its commitment to good governance and stability in Africa
Wed, 18 Jun 2025Day One of the USA Boxing Junior Olympics and Summer Festival Concludes
Wed, 18 Jun 2025The Past Week in Action 16 June 2025: Hitchins Stops Kambosos; Wins by Andy Cruz and Teremoana; Donaire Returns
By Eric Armit, Tue, 17 Jun 2025THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 9 - MUHAMMAD ALI WINS WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE
By Maloney L. Samaco, Tue, 17 Jun 2025OKC Nears First NBA Title in Thunder Era; Outclasses Indiana, 120-109 in Game 5
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 17 Jun 2025Crawford Refutes #3 P4P Ranking; WBA Doesn't Forget Nonito Donaire
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 17 Jun 2025GM John Paul Gomez joins Touchmove in Roxas City
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 17 Jun 2025Perfect foe, perfect outcome
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 17 Jun 2025Prospects Collide Results: Rajon Chance Defeats Yan Carlos Perez
Tue, 17 Jun 2025Undefeated Russian super middleweight Petr “The Surgeon” Khamukov to headline This Friday in Long Beach on DAZN
Tue, 17 Jun 2025International Boxing & MMA Consultants Appointed to serve as El Salvador Professional Combat Sport Commission
Tue, 17 Jun 2025