Ex-OPBF champ Akaho barely beats Teshigawara

By Joe Koizumi
Photo by Naoki Fukuda

Former OPBF 115-pound champ, now campaigning in the bantam category, Ryo Akaho (28-2-2, 18 KOs), 119.25, very barely eked out a split verdict (95-94, 97-94, 94-95) over unheralded speedster Hiroaki Teshigawara (12-2-2, 6 KOs), 119.25, over ten hard-fought rounds on Tuesday in Tokyo, Japan. Engaging in his second comeback fight since his failure to win the vacant WBO bantam belt on a second-round demolition at the hand of Pungluang Sor Singyu in Thailand in August of the previous year, Akaho had a very tough time coping with the upcoming novice handled by ex-world 154-pound champ Koichi Wajima. The taller upright stylist Teshigawara was in command in the first half thanks to his superior hand speed that really befuddled the prefight favorite Akaho. The more experienced Akaho, however, desperately tried to turn the tide from the eighth and was fortunately awarded a split duke despite a penalization due to his repeated low blow in the final session. Teshigawara may be worth watching, though he needs more physical power and stamina.

Promoter: Yokohama Hikari Promotions.