Phumelele Cafu Drops, Earns Split Decision Win Against Kosei Tanaka

Phumelele Cafu (11-0-3, 8 KOs) became the latest to be crowned super flyweight champion with a split decision win over Kosei Tanaka (20-2, 11 KOs).

While one judge had Tanaka winning 114-113, the other two saw Cafu as the victor with scores of 114-113. With the win, Cafu is now the WBO super flyweight champion. This was his first time challenging for a world title and he does so against Tanaka, a man who has been champion across four weight classes.

Their fight took place on the undercard of Junto Nakatani vs. Tasana Salapat at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. Boxing fans in Japan could catch the action live on Prime Video. Those in the United States could do so with ESPN+. Sky Sports+ were broadcasters for those in the United Kingdom. In Canada, TSN+ had the action.

Be sure to return to Big Fight Weekend for the Nakatani vs. Salapat recap!

Phumelele Cafu Drops, Decisions Kosei Tanaka to Become Champion

Cafu vs. Tanaka Fight Recap

Cafu began the fight by moving off the back foot looking to counter Tanaka in the opening round. In the second, however, both men began opening up. As Tanaka was letting his hands go, Cafu found some success by landing just as his opponent was done throwing his shots.

From round four onwards, there were a lot more back-and-forth exchanges. Cafu stuck to countering, which gave him the most success. On the other hand, the Japanese remained on the front foot and appeared to be the more active of the two.

With more than a minute to go in round five, Cafu landed a right hook that sent Tanaka to the canvas. The punch landed just as Tanaka was throwing a shot of his own. Despite getting hit with a hard right hand, the Japanese fighter was able to get up and see out the round.

HE DIDN’T SEE IT COMING.

Down goes Tanaka 😳 #NakataniChitpattana pic.twitter.com/WLJpZBMHS8

— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) October 14, 2024

Tanaka picked up the pace in the seventh with Cafu putting up little resistance. The South African was getting hit with plenty of body shots as the reigning champion became more aggressive. Despite being dropped, Tanaka was resistant in the second half. However, Cafu remained in the fight with his counters.

The final two rounds saw both men exchange leather at close range. Neither was willing to relent as Tanaka and Cafu exchanged hard punches. The South African fighter appeared visibly exhausted, his mouth open and bloody, but engaged in the exchanges till the final bell. In the end, two of the judges saw him doing enough to get the win.

Post-fight Interview

Phumelele Cafu

“I’m speechless, man,” said Cafu. “This feels amazing. This is everything I’ve ever wanted. My whole life, my whole career. Now I’ve finally got it. Thanks to Tanaka for giving me this opportunity. To defend his title against me. Thanks to the promoter Mr. [Akihiko] Honda. I’m really grateful for the opportunity. Thanks to the Japanese fans for welcoming me. Thank you very much fans. And also thank you to my team. None of this would have been possible without them. And most importantly, thanks to the man above, God. This especially wasn’t going to happen without him. I would like to thank God very much.”

Disappointing No Decision in Anthony Olascuaga vs. Jonathan González Bout

The first defence of Anthony Olascuaga’s (7-1, 5 KOs, 1 NC) flyweight title ended in a disappointing no decision against Jonathan González (28-3-1, 14 KOs, 2 NCs).

The fight was waved off at the 2:25 mark. Olascuaga was making the first defence of his WBO flyweight world title. He won the belt against Riku Kano in July with a third-round knockout. As a result of this no decision, Olascuaga keeps his title.

Olascuaga sought to establish dominance by pressing forward and letting his hands go. González was content with being on the back foot but was also throwing back. Unfortunately, an accidental clash of heads resulted in a cut appearing around the left eye of González. The eye was briefly looked at by a ringside physician. When asked by referee Robert Hoyle if he could see, González said no and the bout was waved off, resulting in a no-decision.

Our first fight is ruled a no decision after Jonathan Gonzalez suffers a cut in R1. #NakataniChitpattana | LIVE on @ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/utU2iXsBOO

— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) October 14, 2024

Also on the Card

Excell James Junior (2-1-1, 0 KOs) and Ayato Kobayashi (1-0-1, 0 KOs) fought to a majority draw in a four-round super lightweight contest. While one judge had Kobayashi winning 39-37, the other two saw the action 38-38.