Japan’s Fujimoto is OPBF heavyweight king

By Nerissa Singgangan

Kyotaro Fujimoto of Japan thoroughly dominated the bigger but slower Willie Nasio of Australia in their 12-round showdown to bag the vacant Orient Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) heavyweight crown over the weekend at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

Nasio, enjoying a slight advantage in height and heft, appeared to be the stronger fighter. He proved it in the opening round as he stunned Fujimoto with several hooks to the head and body, prompting the Japanese to virtually run away for safety.

Nasio, several times, even opened himself up and prodded Fujimoto to slug it out. Fujimoto wisely avoided the bait.

But in the second round, Fujimoto bravely exchanged punches with Nasio and caught the latter with a right upperhand, sending the Australian to the canvass for the knockdown.

This gave Fujimoto enough confidence that he can hurt what was thought to be an invincible opponent. From then on it was all Japanese show as Nasio showed signs of gassing out.

The three judges scored it 116-112, 116-111 and 118-109, all for Fujimoto, who proved to the smarter fighter to improve his fight record to 16 wins (8 by KO) and 1 loss.

Nasio, the Australian heavyweight champion, suffered his second setback in his 12 career bouts. Nine of his 10 victories came by knockout.

He was tested to the limit this time by Fujimoto and Nasio just didn’t have enough gas in his tank for the entire 12 rounds.