Suriyan and Sato Make Weight for Tomorrow's WBC Super Flyweight World Title Fight in Tokyo (PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 26 Mar 2012
TOKYO, Japan - WBC super flyweight defending champion Suriyan Sor Rungvisai of Thailand weighed-in 114.64 lbs (52 Kgs), while his Japanese challenger Yota Sato registered 114 lbs (51.7 Kgs) ahead of their title match tomorrow Tuesday March 27 at the famed Korakuen Hall here in Tokyo, Japan.
The WBC officials are: Fight supervisor Frank Quill of Australia. Referee Jack Reiss of the USA. Judges: Jun-Bae Lim of Korea, Marty Sammon of the USA and Rey Danseco of the Philippines.
The fight will be the second title defense for Suriyan Sor Rungvisai, 23, who snatch the world title from then WBC world champion Tomas "Gusano" Rojas of Mexico last August in Srisaket, Thailand.
Suriyan's (20-4-1, 7KOs) successful first defense was last November, a unanimous decision victory over former world champion Japanese Nobuo Nashiro at the National Stadium of Thailand.
PhilBoxing has been present at Suriyan Sor Rungvisai's title fights in Thailand and witness the performances of the Thailander who at times comes forward throwing high volume of punches, stance used in his victory over Gusano Rojas, a Mexican fighter of speed, experience and resources.
Given the need, Suriyan is able to box and employ acceptable defense to divert attacks sent against him.
Indeed, during Suriyan's latest fights, punching power has not been too apparent. In fact, the world champ Suriyan was never able to stagger Gusano Rojas nor Nobuo Nashiro. He did stagger Pongsaklek Wonjongkam in the opening round of their 2010 flyweight world fight, but did not know how to follow up.
These facts lead some analysts to believe that Suriyan's continuous persistent attacks, plus excellent conditioning and good head movement are his best bets for triumph by points tomorrow.
However, the tall 27-year-old Japanese challenger Yota Sato (23-2-1, 12KOs), has good credentials and is fighting at Korakuen Hall, the famed stadium where he fought 24 times and is there where he aims at becoming the new WBC super flyweight world champion.
Yato Sato, who hasn't lost since December of 2005, seems to have more power in both hands. For instance, in his last fight, Sato knocked out undefeated Kenji Oba (21-1-2, 16KOs) to capture Japan's super flyweight title. This victory over Oba is one of the factors that helps moves local boxing analysts in Japan to place high confidence in Yato Sato's victory tomorrow.
A survey of Japanese fans see Yota Sato winning tomorrow fight by points.
In addition, popular boxing reporter and photographer Kazuto Harada of Bankoku Gurentai told PhilBoxing that he thinks that Sato will win the world title. "Sato is the best super flyweight in Japan. He is 10 cm taller than Suriyan. Plus, Sato has a good one-two combination, moves well in the ring and knows how to take advantage of his height, jab and reach. I think Sato will become world champion tomorrow. Sato has 60-40 chances."
Meanwhile, fight promoter Mr. Keiichichiro Kanehira, who is also Yota Sato's manager said to PhilBoxing: "This is a great chance for Sato to become WBC world champion. Suriyan is a good fighter. So, Sato has trained hard at our Kyoei Gym with coach Seiji Shinoda. He is ready to fight and become a new world champion for Japan."
The local commission for this title fight is the prestigious Japan Boxing Commission (JBC), whose executive president Mr. Ken Morita, a former boxing judge for over 46 years, was present at the official weight-in ceremony.
Filipino promoter Gabriel "Bebot" Elorde, along with his fighter WBC Silver super flyweight champion Sylvester Lopez (19-3-1, 15KOs) are flying from Manila to be present at the Suriyan-Sato fight with the purpose of issuing a challenge to the winner. In the opinion of "Bebot" Elorde, Sato should become world champion tomorrow.
"Yes Carlos, we want to fight the winner. Suriyan vs Sato will be a good fight. I think Sato will win on points," said Elorde.
Suriyan (R) and Sato during Monday's weighin.
Saito and Watanabe.
WBC officials (L to R): Judge Marty Sammon of USA, referee Jack Reiss of the USA, supervisor Frank Quill of Australia, Judge Rey Danseco of the Philippines and Judge Jun-Bae Lim of Korea.
The author (R) poses with Filipino judge Rey Danseco.
Two cute Japanese ring card girls.
JAPANESE TITLES IN THE UNDERCARDS
In the undercard, the OPBF welterweight and Japanese champion 26-year-old Akinori Watanabe (24-4, 22KOs) will defend his both titles against fellow japanese Koshinmaru Saito (17-3-1, 9KOs).
Both Watanabe and Saito looked strong and in top shape today during the weight-in ceremony at the Korakue Hall. Watanabe's trainer Seiji Shinoda commented that "this is a tough important fight. But I think my fighter should win. Because Watanabe hits hard with both hands, is in good shape, is younger, has good boxing and is taller."
Another featured fight is a clash for the vacant Japanese super flyweight title between undefeated Teiru Kinoshita (13-0-1, 3KOs) of Kobe by way of Osaka and hard-hitting Go Onaga (17-1-2, 12KOs) of Yokohama.
Teiru has good boxing skills and speed but lack punching power, while Onaga is an invariable knockout seeker.
Five more fights complete this interesting Tuesday night boxing here in Tokyo.
The first fight of the evening will begin at 5:50pm.
PhilBoxing will be present at ringside at Korakuen Hall here in Tokyo to report on the Suriyan vs Sato WBC super flyweight world title fight.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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