Fight #1
Yoshiki Takei vs Ronnie Baldonado
8x3 Junior Featherweight
Takei gets a left hand in, Baldonado lands a right hand back but soon gets trapped on the ropes as Takei tees off on him. Fairly tepid first round, a little bit of action, but not lots.
Baldonado opened round two with a big right hand, starting at a higher pace. Takei walking him down but the right hand is threatening all the time. Big shots fly in from both boxers, it's a little messy at times, the pair coming together heavily. Baldonado backed into the corner constantly not allowing himself any room to manoeuvre. Baldonado countered well with some clean shots, but spent the entire round retreating.
A backhand to the body had a delayed effect on Baldonado, falling to the floor seconds later. Takei flicked a right jab upstairs and landed a left hook that rippled its way across the ribs, painfully. That's seven wins and seven KOs for the 27-year-old southpaw from Tokyo.
Fight #2
Kanamu Sakama vs Ryu Horikawa
8x3 Light Flyweight
Both boxers were sharp on their jabs and light on their feet in the first rounds. Sakama was coming forward while Horikawa was jabbing and moving.
Sakama landed some big backhands in the second, really finding his groove. Looking good on the backfoot too, when Horikawa tried to force him back momentarily.
The mouthpiece of Horikawa was dislodged in the third. Big bodyshot from Sakama but Horikawa took it well.
Horikawa just trying to keep Sakama at bay. Midway in the fourth, Sakama landed a swift, stinging backhand bodyshot. Horikawa keeping the fight at close range in the final minute, making it tricky for Sakama to work. Then Horikawa dances away and steps in to land a flurry before the bell. Sakama in control but Horikawa using all his ring experience here.
Sakama closing the space in round five, Horikawa comes forward at times to keep him off. Horikawa gets through with a straight right hand. Then Horikawa goes back on his jab, doubling up. Good left hand catches Horikawa out after they broke. Horikawa tries a overhand right, but Sakama catches it on his gloves completely. Then it's Horikawa's turn to catch Sakama out after a break. Sakama gets a nice body shot in on the klaxons. Horikawa just so sneaky on that backfoot but three consecutive uppercuts landed that round by Sakama.
Right hook to the body followed be left jab to the head from Sakama. It's a close contest, the heavier shots thudded in from Sakama, but Horikawa equally scoring. Sakama waiting too long to throw in that sixth stanza. He was closing the gap down, but when he had Horikawa backed into the ropes, he dodn't let his hands go quick enough and his opponent is able to throw his shots and escape.
They go toe to toe in the opening minute of the seventh. Strong jab lands from Sakama after an exchange. They continue to square off, really great back and forth action, the crowd are loving this! Sakama seems the more tired of the two, perhaps that's why he isn't throwing as much. Big right hand rocks Horikawa's head to the side, but takes it well. Really exciting round.
