By Joe Koizumi
WBO #5 Riku Kano (15-3, 7 KOs), 112, impressively acquired the vacant WBO Asia Pacific flyweight belt when he outpointed compatriot Yuga Inoue (13-3-1, 2 KOs), 112, to win a close but unanimous decision (116-112, 115-113 twice) in a thrilling twelve-round swing on Saturday in Osaka, Japan. The sold-out crowd watched the tide turn each round with Kano scoring with lefty right hooks and Inoue connecting with light but quick combinations. But it was Kano who dominated the championship rounds and scored a valuable win. Kano, formerly the WBO AP 108-pound ruler, won his second regional belt in his second weight class under his belt. It was a very close affair to be named Fight of the Month.
In the semi-closeout, IBF junior bantamweight #8 Sho Ishida (31-3, 16 KOs), followed up by pummeling Filipino Alvin Medura (10-7, 7 KOs), 118, to score a unanimous decision (identically 80-71) about eight. Ishida had him on deck with solid combinations in the second round.
Promoter: Taisei Promotions.
The post WBO’s Kano #5 defeats Inoue for the WBO AP 112-pound belt appeared first on fightnews.com.
Share This Event