NAKAMURA TKOS RAFNAFA TO WIN VACANT ABF BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE

Japan’s Yuya Nakamura (left) connects a left on Indonesian Oscar Raknafa in their battle for the ABF bantamweight title in Bangkok. (Photo by MONIQUE SANTIG)

TEXT & PHOTOS BY MONIQUE SANTIG

BANGKOK, Thailand — Japanese Yuya “The Problem” Nakamura lived up to his nickname as he forced Indonesian Oscar “Sasando Boy” Raknafa to quit during the rest period of the fourth round to win the vacant Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) bantamweight title last Aug. 27 at the Ram 100 Thai Boxing Stadium in Ramkahaeng, Bangkok.
Nakamura, 26, landed a solid body shot on Raknafa a few seconds before the end of the third round.
Raknafa then vomited during the rest period and surrendered to Nakamura, who only scored his third win against one loss. The 26-year old Raknafa suffered his 14th loss against 13 wins and no draw.
The 12-round title fight was promoted by Suppanat Chanram of Chanram Highland International Promotions in coordination with matchmaker Brico Santig.
It was supervised by ABF supervisor Sroi Mung Mee, who represented ABF President Naris Singwangcha.
Meanwhile, 16-year old female featherweight Sumanthar Baenkham of Thailand landed more telling blows in beating fellow Thai fighter Suwanun Antanai by a unanimous decision in the undercard. Baenkham, also known as Nongoum Por Niramon, scored only her second win in five fights.
In another 6-round female bout, light flyweight Phannaluk Kongsang also stopped Daorueng Akkhetanang via a 2nd round TKO.
Three other bouts all ended up by 2nd round knockouts – Raymond Poon of Hong Kong stopped Thailand’s Danai Wasan (6 rds.-110 lbs.), Ryoutoku Motoyoma of Japan stopped Thailand’s Phongsathon Sompol (4 rds.-154 lbs.); and Hoi Yong Doo of Korea stopped Thailand’s Atthapon Baenkha (4 rds.-130 lbs.).