PUMICPIC LOSES IN OPBF TITLE FIGHT
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 27 Mar 2014
The Philippines top contender Richard Pumicpic dropped a twelve round unanimous decision to Japan?s Ryosuke Iwasa in Tokyo in an Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation bantamweight title fight in Tokyo.
Hall-of-Fame media man and matchmaker Joe Koizumi reported that the much taller Iwasa?s height and reach advantage ?was a nuisance forcing Pumicpic (13-6-1, 4b KO?s) to have to bore in and although the challenger gamely kept going forward with occasional rights to the face of the champion, Iwasa connected with light but faster combinations against the onrushing Filipino.?
Two of the three judges scored the fight for Iwasa (17-1, 10 KO?s) 116-112 while the third judge had it a 114-114 draw.
Iwasa had previously won a ten round unanimous shutout decision over Jeker Buhawe on July 6, 2013 band a tebn roune unanimous decision over another Filipino Marjohn Yap on March 2, 2013.
In a supporting bout Richard Garcia (25-18-1, 7 KO?s) scored what Koizumi described as a flash knockdown against WBC No, 8 ranked Ryo Akaho (22-1-2, 15 KO?s) with a counter left-right combination in round one but Akaho ?connected with a vicious left hook to the face of Garcia who beat the count but immediately fell back and was counted out.?
Akaho had also scored a 6th round TKO over Buhawe on November 2 last year and a 4th round knockout of Elmar Francisco last June 1.
It was Garcia?s first defeat in four fights in Japan after the Filipino previously beat Masayuki Kuroda and Kenji Yoshida, and drew with Go Onaga.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Pacquiao sets record as only active Hall of Famer
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 10 Jun 2025Bernardino rules Sali Chess Blitz Ope
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 10 Jun 2025Oklahoma Pulls Away From Indiana, 123-107; Ties Finals Series, 1-all
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 09 Jun 2025Mason Storm: Abdullah Butchers Nakathila in Norfolk Showcase
Sun, 08 Jun 2025Return of the comeback
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 08 Jun 2025MANNY PACQUIAO IN CANASTOTA, NY (PHOTOS)
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 08 Jun 2025Introducing The Spartan Series: Vegas Fight Experience — Where Authentic Sparring Meets Cinematic Vegas Energy
Sun, 08 Jun 2025RESULTS FROM TONIGHT’S “HALL OF FAME FIGHT NIGHT” PRESENTED BY SALITA PROMOTIONS & ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT LIVE ON DAZN AT THE TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO
Sat, 07 Jun 2025Davis vs De Los Santos: The Fight That Never Was
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 07 Jun 20252 Filipino grandmasters join Touchmove chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 07 Jun 2025Keyshawn Davis Fight Canceled After Weight Miss, Mason-Nakathila Elevated to Main Event
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 07 Jun 2025Eumir Marcial Set to Battle Alexis Gaytán in Pacquiao's Comeback Show
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 07 Jun 2025SUNDAY: Fabio Turchi-Milans Volkovs Cruiserweight Showdown Headlines Italy Fight Card LIVE in the U.S. on ESPN+
Sat, 07 Jun 2025Bomogao KOs Rubio in 1st round
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 07 Jun 2025REYES CUP SET FOR ELECTRIFYING RETURN TO MANILA, OCTOBER 16–19
Sat, 07 Jun 2025