NAKAYAMA DETHRONES CLAVERAS, GRABS OPBF FLYWEIGHT CROWN

JAPANESE challenger Keisuke Nakayama used his footwork advantage and stinging jabs to dethrone Oriental and Pacific Federation (OPBF) flyweight champion Richard Claveras via a split decision last Tuesday night (June 13) at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
Nakayama of the Watanabe Gym kept Claveras at bay with his jabs, which most wobbled the Filipino champion a few times.
The scores after four rounds were announced with Claveras (39-37) and Nakayama (40-36) each picked by the two judges while the other judge saw it 38-all.
But Nakayama landed more telling blows that forced Claveras to got back on the ropes in the next two rounds.
In the 7th, Claveras came out blazing and wobbled Nakayama a few times putting the pressure on. Both fighters battled it out as they both received damaging blows in the 8th round. Two judges both scored it 78-74 for Nakayama while the other one had it 76-all.
In the 10th, Claveras landed a left hook which took Nakayama by surprise. But with a lot of heart and diligence Nakayama battled it out.
In the 12th, judges Kazuo Abe of Japan and Dan Nietes of the Philippines – had it for Claveras, but was not enough to take the win as the Malaysian judge Ringo Coldenhoff gave it for Nakayama, who won by a split decision.
Abe and Coldenhoff tallied 116-112 and 115-113 both for Nakayama while Nietes scored it 115-113 for Claveras.
“Had the Malaysian also scored it a 10-9 for Claveras in the 12th round, his total score would be 114-all which could have been a split draw instead,” said Mack Canisio of Team Claveras.
“The Japanese and Filipino judges both gave the 12th and final round for Claveras because it was very clear,”
International matchmaker Warren Elliot said a possibility of a rematch is not yet clear.
“We (also) have the option of the title defense. (But) We might get another Filipino boxer,” said Elliot of United International Boxing Promotions.
The 28-year old Nakayama improved his record to 10 wins with four knockouts against two defeats and one draw.
Claveras, who won the interim OPBF flyweight title via a majority decision against Jeronil Borres last September 30 at the Strike Coliseum in Bacoor, Cavite dropped to 17-3-2, 14 knockouts.

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