By Carlos Costa
A successful second world title defense for the world-class veteran. South African IBF Flyweight World Champion Moruti “Baby Face” Mthalane (38-2, 25 KO’s) scored a unanimous decision win over Japanese warrior Masayuki Kuroda (30-8-3, 16 KO’s) to retain his shining red and golden
The experienced Moruti Mthalane made good use his ring savvy
Official tallies were 116-112 (twice) and 117-111 all in favor of the 36-year-old tough fighter from the land of Nelson Mandela.
With the win, Mthalane successfully gets a foothold on his new reign as IBF 112-pound king, vowing to be ready for any other tough challenger or fellow champion anytime, anywhere.
Mthalane is trained by his longtime friend, award-winning South African coach Colin Nathan.
On the losing corner, Masayuki Kuroda, again falls short of conquering a world title. Six years ago the fully-committed boxer Kuroda tried hard to win a belt in his battle against then champion Juan Carlos Reveco, losing by points. Same this time.
Still, the brave Masayuki Kuroda, 32, who ended the war with a swollen, almost shut right eye — hurtful evidence of Mthalane’s accurate counter left hooks — is Japan’s flyweight national champion.
The Mthalane vs Kuroda rumble for the IBF Flyweight world title today Monday, May 13, was a production of promoter Shosei Nitta of Kawasaki Nitta Promotions.
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The author Carlos Costa is a Panama boxing reporter living in the Philippines. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and
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