Takayama to fight in an IBF minimumweight eliminator in South Africa
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 29 Aug 2010
Katsunari Takayama (23W-4L, 9 KO?s) of Japan will face Tshepo Lefele (17W-3L, 11 KO?s) of South Africa at the Carnival City, Brakpan, Gauteng, South Africa in a 12 round IBF minimumweight title eliminator this September 1.
Last May, Takayama was signed up by ALA Promotions of Cebu and was scheduled to fight in Mandaue City. But he injured his right wrist while jogging when he fell down trying to avoid an incoming vehicle.
The 27 year old Takayama is a former WBC/WBA minimumweight champ but lost his last fight in July 2009 to Roman Gonzales of Nicaragua. He has set his sights on the IBF world title held by Nkosinathi Joyi of South Africa and a victory against Lefele will put him in line for a title shot.
The 30 year old Lefele beat Filipino Elmer Gejon in 2005 for the vacant WBC International minimumweight title by majority decision. He lost the title to another Filipino, Gabriel Pumar of Lapulapu City, who now goes by the name BoomBoom Toei, by seventh round TKO in 2006. Lefele currently holds the South African minimumweight title.
Ken Matsumoto, who manages Takayama, told Philboxing.com yesterday that his protege is in the best condition possible for the fight, and will bring "good news to Philippine boxing fans", referring to the boxer's Pinoy fans who have seen him train at the ALA Gym. Takayama aims to win title belts in the IBF and WBO, breaking from his country?s tradition, as Japan officially recognizes only the WBC and WBA.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Female Amateur Boxing Star Sar’ai Brown-El Signs with Split-T Management
Tue, 22 Apr 2025Apolinario to fight Hu in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Warriors Shoot Down Rockets, 95-85 as Celtics, Cavaliers, Thunder Take Care of Business
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 21 Apr 20252025 USA Boxing International Open Finalized on Saturday
Mon, 21 Apr 2025Verano to face Thai in Clash of Nations on April 24
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Masangkay to fight Ocampo in JAS on April 23
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Denver Holds Off LA Clippers in OT, 112-110
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Arca clinches 3rd and final IM norm; Guns for GM norm in last round
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025IN HER GOLDEN GIRL ERA: GABRIELA “SWEET POISON” FUNDORA SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS UNDISPUTED TITLE AGAINST MARILYN BADILLO
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Fundora Retains Undisputed Flyweight Titles; Perez Shocks Conwell in Oceanside
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Dalton Smith Drops Mathieu German Three Times, Retains WBC Silver Title
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Filipino GM Antonio beats Serbia's IM for share of lead in Caberra Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Villanueva to fight Antaran on April 27 in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025MASOUD AND MCGRAIL CLASH IN ALL-BRITISH SHOWDOWN
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Semifinals Conclude at 2025 USA Boxing International Open
Sun, 20 Apr 2025