Title Fights From Around the World Including Split Decision at Korakuen Hall
Today, boxing world title fights take place around the globe and are more accessible to watch than ever before. Sometimes, championship bouts do not receive as much attention and go underreported. Big Fight Weekend commits to writing about boxing news, previews, and recaps. As such, the site now has a recurring segment on championship bouts – from around the world from the past week.
The focus of these pieces will be on clashes ranging from atomweight to heavyweight that had the WBA, WBC, IBF, and/or WBO titles on the line. Today’s edition of “Title Fights From Around the World” consists of several recaps. The renowned Korakuen Hall held three title fights alone, while Germany’s Verti Music Hall saw a long-reigning champion dethroned.
Boxing World Title Fights From Around the World
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Mizuki Hiruta vs. Ji Hyun Park
Mizuki Hiruta (6-0, 2 KOs) successfully defended her WBO super flyweight title with a sixth-round TKO over Ji Hyun Park (26-4, 8 KOs). The time of stoppage was 1:45. This fight was part of a Shinsei Promotions card featuring three world title bouts at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan, on Jan. 12
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Hiruta controlled the fight, stunning Park less than a minute into the bout. The Japanese southpaw’s straight left gave her opponent plenty of trouble throughout the clash. A left hook sent Park back to the ropes in round six. Following a barrage of punches from Hiruta, referee Katsuhiko Nakamura stopped the fight with Park still standing.
Yuko Kuroki vs. Eri Matsuda
The third time’s the charm as Eri Matsuda (7-1-1, 1 KO) finally became a world champion with a split decision win over Yuko Kuroki (22-8-2, 9 KOs) to become the WBA and WBO atomweight titlist. While one judge had it 96-94 for Kuroki, the other two saw it 97-93 and 96-94 for Matsuda. This fight was also part of a Shinsei Promotions card that featured three world title bouts at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan, on January 12.
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The two fought on even terms for the duration of the fight. What helped Matsuda eke out the win were the jabs and quick movement. Kuroki had success with the straight left but had trouble landing other punches of substance. For Matsuda, this was her third attempt at a world title, having drawn one and lost one previously.
Mika Iwakawa vs. Sumire Yamanaka
Sumire Yamanaka (8-0, 3 KOs) became the latest IBF atomweight champion with a unanimous decision win over Mika Iwakawa (12-7-1, 4 KOs). Scores for the fight were 99-91, 97-93 and 96-94. This fight was also part of a Shinsei Promotions card that featured three world title bouts at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan, on January 12.
Yamanaka had success on the inside, landing right hooks and straight lefts. Iwakawa was able to land straight rights, but her opponent’s combination punching prevented her from winning the rounds. With the win, Yamanaka becomes a world champion for the first time.
Fabiana Bytyqi vs. Tina Rupprecht
Tina Rupprecht (13-1-1, 3 KOs) became a two-division world champion with a unanimous decision win over Fabiana Bytyqi (20-1-2, 5 KOs) for the WBC atomweight title. Scores were 98-92 and 97-93 (x2). The fight took place in Berlin, Germany, at the Verti Music Hall on January 13.
Bytyqi had a clear height advantage against the 4’10” Rupprecht. Despite this, the former minimumweight champion overcome the disadvantage with constant pressure against Bytyqi. This helped Rupprecht win the rounds and eventually earn the WBC belt.
