Yoshio Shirai vs. Leo Espinosa (2nd meeting)
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Yoshio Shirai 111 lbs beat Leo Espinosa 111 lbs by SD in round 15 of 15
- Date: 1954-05-24
- Location: Korakuen Baseball Stadium, Tokyo, Japan
- Referee: Isamu Ito 147-145
- Judge: Kuniharu Hayashi 149-145
- Judge: Koshiro Abe 141-142
"World flyweight king Yoshio Shirai saved his crown Monday night with a split decision over Leo Espinosa which brought howls of protest from the challenger's corner. Even the fans gave the champion only a polite spattering of applause as the decision was announced. Most of them were Japanese who favored Shirai. There were a few cheers for the little Filipino, who had taken command in the middle rounds of a bruising struggle only to see the Japanese come back strong at the finish." -Associated Press
- Unofficial AP scorecard - 144-140 Espinosa
- Attendance - 35,000 (30,000 according to the Stars & Stripes)
- Gate - $72,000
Post fight comment
- "He's the champ but I'd like to fight him again." -Leo Espinosa