JAPANESE MANAGER WANTS HIS BOXERS TO SEEK TITLES OUTSIDE WBC AND WBA
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 10 Dec 2009
Former WBC minmumweight world champ Katsunari Takayama of Japan is aiming to become the first Japanese boxer to win titles in the four major sanctioning bodies: WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF. His manager, Koichi Matsumoto was at the ALA Gym Wednesday afternoon and was impressed with the facilities. Matsumoto said that he plans to bring his fighter here in Cebu so he can train and spar with the ALA Gym boxers.
The Japan Boxing Commission only recognizes the WBA and WBC. But Matsumoto want to break from what he calls the conservative Japanese tradition. This is something unprecedented in Japanese boxing. He also wants his boxer to accumulate fighting experience outside of Japan. Takayama ( 23W – 4 L, 9 KO's) has never fought outside of Japan.
The 26 year old Takayama won the WBC 105lbworld title 4 years ago with a 12 round unanimous decision win over Isaac Bustos of Mexico in Osaka, Japan. He lost in his first defense to Eagle (Kyowa) Den Junlaphan by 12 round UD. Takayama has tried for the WBA world crown twice and lost to countryman Yutaka Niida and Nicaraguan Roman Gonzales both by decision.
This is a rather intriguing prospect considering that the WBO minimumweight champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes is training at the same gym.
Top photo: Japanense manager Koichi Matsumoto at the ALA Gym Wednesday afternoon.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
NEWCASTLE WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED AS MURTAZALIEV AND KELLY CLASH FOR WORLD TITLE
Fri, 30 Jan 2026Boxers Make Weight for Brico Santig’s Exciting 21-Bout Promotion in Thailand (PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 30 Jan 2026“It’s time for TSABZ to shine” Get to know Tanaka Saburi as he retuns March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Fri, 30 Jan 2026ATLANTIC CITY BOXING HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2026
Fri, 30 Jan 2026Manny Pacquiao Chess Philippines: WCM Nika Juris Nicolas is Ready to Fight
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 30 Jan 2026PFDA Grass Nationals in Tagum on June 5-7
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 30 Jan 2026Press Conference Notes: Puerto Rican Star Xander Zayas Ready for Saturday's Hometown Unification Battle against Abass Baraou
Fri, 30 Jan 2026PFDA Grass Nationals in Tagum on June 5-7
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 30 Jan 2026‘THE RING 6’ TEOFIMO LOPEZ VS. SHAKUR STEVENSON PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 30 Jan 2026NEWCASTLE PRESS CONFERENCE: WHAT WAS SAID AS JOSH KELLY AND BAKHRAM MURTAZALIEV ARE KEPT APART AFTER HEATED FACE-OFF
Fri, 30 Jan 2026Weights From ProBoxTV’s ‘Flores vs. Castillo’ at Live! Casino Hotel Maryland
Fri, 30 Jan 2026WAPA Deportes Confirmed as Puerto Rican Broadcast Home for Saturday’s Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou Title Unification Showdown
Fri, 30 Jan 2026Legendary Panamanian Juan Carlos Tapia will be inducted into the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 30 Jan 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announces Additional Matchups for Saturday, February 28 Event at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York
Fri, 30 Jan 2026SWERVE TV STRIKES MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS TO EXPAND PREMIUM BOXING CONTENT
Fri, 30 Jan 2026