KONDO TKOS ARIENZA TO WIN VACANT WBO ASIA PACIFIC SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CROWN

Newly-crowned WBO Asia Pacific super lightweight champion Akihiro Kondo

By LITO DELOS REYES

JAPANESE Akihiro Kondo stopped Filipino Jeffrey “The Bull” Arienza in the 11^th round to capture the vacant WBO Asia Pacific super lightweight title last September 13 at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

After 10 rounds, Kondo was already leading on the three judges – Takeo Harada (99-91), Surat Soikrachang (97-93) and Mekin Sumon (97-93).

Kondo finally scored the technical knockout win in 1:20 of the 11^th round. The 31-year old Kondo now has a record of 26 wins with 13 knockouts against only six losses and one draw.

The native from Kazo, Saitama, Japan is also a former Japanese super lightweight champion.

The 25-year old Arienza is the second Filipino victim of Kondo, who first won against Jimrex Jaca by a 4^th round TKO last March 16, 2015 in Tokyo.

Kondo, however, bowed to another Filipino Ricky Sismundo by a split decision on April 22, 2015 at the same venue.

Kondo then bounced back with five straight wins including three TKO victories.

Arienza, a native of Surigao City, suffered his 5^th setback against 15 wins and one draw with nine knockouts. Arienza had previously won the vacant WBC Asian Boxing council super lightweight title via a 5^th round knockout against Indonesian Wellem Reyk last July 13 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

The Kondo-Arienza title-fight was promoted by the Ichiriki Promotions.