HOF Robert Byrd Referee for Nietes-Ioka WBO Super Fly Belt Macao

By Carlos Costa

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) headquartered in the Island of Enchantment, Puerto Rico, has assigned Las Vegas Hall of Fame referee Robert Byrd, 75, as the third man in the coming clash for the vacant WBO Super Flyweight title between world-class Filipino fighter Donnie Nietes, 36, and Japanese star Kazuto Ioka.

The intriguing battle between the two 3-division world champions is set for New Year’s Eve at the 5-star Wynn Palace Cotai in the startling “Las Vegas of Asia,” Macao.

The officials for the Donnie Nietes vs Kazuto Ioka rumble are: judges Levi Martinez of New Mexico, Patricia Morse Jarman of Las Vegas and Samuel Nieto of Panama; while the supervisor will be WBO Vice President Leon P. Panoncillo Jr., of Hawaii.

MORUTI DEFENDS IBF 112 AGAINST SAKAMOTO

The new year’s eve card in Macao also features IBF world champion Moruti Mthalane (36-2, 24 KO’s) of South Africa, defending his 112 lbs red and golden belt against younger, hard-hitting challenger IBF # 14 Masahiro Sakamoto (13-1, 9 KO’s) of Osaka, Japan.

Moruti has trained with coach Colin Nathan, while Sakamoto has been sweating with trainer Kozuke Takeichi..

Both fighters have proven TNT in their blows, prompting fans to think that the battle might not make it to the final bell.

Nevertheless, Moruti has the ring savvy while Sakamoto owns endless stamina, will and strength.

Then, who will emerge victorious, the veteran of a thousand battles Moruti Mthalane or Masahiro Sakamoto, the young warrior from the Land of the Rising Sun?

The officials for the exciting Moruti Mthalane vs Masahiro Sakamoto IBF title fight are: supervisor Ben Keilty from Australia; referee Ignatius Missailidis of Australia; Judges Deon Dwarte of South Africa, Katsuhiko Nakamura of Japan and Gil Co of the Philippines.

BUDLER DEFENDS WBA 108 AGAINST KYOGUCHI

Furthermore, WBA Light Flyweight World Champion Hekkie Budler (32-3, 10 KO’s) of South Africa defends his hard-earned 108 pounds crown from the furious fists of unbeaten, dangerous former 105 lbs world champion Hiroto Kyoguchi (11-0, 8 KO’s) of Osaka, Japan.

Two-division world champion, Hekkie Budler, 30, is the warrior of the experience, boxing skills and speed, while the stronger, younger Kyoguchi is perceived by boxing fans as the man of the power punch.

But there is a twist. Just last May, Budler dethroned Kyoguchi’s stable mate and best friend Ryoichi Taguchi (27-3-2, 12) in a thrilling combat in Tokyo, and now the Watanabe Gym wants pay back.

For that, Kyoguchi has been preparing weapons with veteran man of boxing Hitoshi Watanabe of the Watanabe Gym, while Hekki Budler is trained by South African Award-Winning coach Colin Nathan.

Will the talented Budler outclass and outmaneuver his tough, coming-forward challenger over twelve fast-paced exciting rounds?

Or will the heavy-handed Japanese Hiroto Kyoguchi, 25, overpower the cool Hekkie Budler, one of the most popular fighters from the land of Nelson Mandela?

The judges for the intriguing Hekkie Budler vs Hiroto Kyoguchi WBA title fight are: Derek Milham of Australia, Reina Urbaez of Venezuela and Chalerm Prayadsab of Thailand. Referee Mark Calo-oy of Texas, USA. Supervisor is Alan Kim of Korea.