Nishida Wins IBF 118 Eliminator

NISHIDA DECISIONS MEDINA; WINS IBF 118 ELIMINATOR

In his most important fight this far, World-ranked bantamweight southpaw Ryosuke Nishida 西田凌佑 (8-0, 1 KO), outsmarted and out-boxed more-experienced Christian “Chispa” Medina Jimenez (21-4, 14 KO’s) of Guadalajara, Mexico, over 12 rounds of action to win the IBF 118 Eliminator today Friday, August 11, at the EDION Arena in Osaka, Japan.

Despite not having ravaging power in his fists Nishida landed continuously through the guard of the coming-forward Mexican bull, controlling him round after round to claim a well-deserved unanimous decision win, which unfolded without any of the two warriors visiting the EDION Arena white and yellow canvas.

Official tallies were wide 118-110, 116-112 and 117-111 in favor of the effective Nishida.

The 23-year-old Mexican Christian “Chispa” (meaning “Spark”) Medina Jiménez – who hails from the same city of boxing super star Canelo Alvarez, was game and brave in battle, although the Nippon fighter’s superiority was clear tonight in Osaka.

The winner Nishida acknowledged Medina’s strength, saying, “This fight was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”

Meanwhile, his coach Kosuke Takeichi acknowledged that “We slowed down in the second half.

“From around the 9th round, the accuracy of our punches dropped.

“Next, we’ll fight the world champion, that’s what we are aiming for.

“Tonight got hope and got a valuable experience.”

Yes, the more talented Nishida, 27, proved to fans that with only 8 fights in his pro record, he is ready to take on the IBF Bantamweight World Champion NEXT.

The promising Japanese will challenge the winner of the IBF Bantamweight World title clash between Puerto Rican former champ Emmanuel Rodriguez (21-2, 13 KO’s) and Nicaraguan slugger Melvin Lopez (29-1, 19 KO’s), unfolding tomorrow at the MGM Grand Las Vegas.

Reports state that the impending fight of Nishida against the winner of the Rodriguez vs Lopez might be promoted by Koki Kameda, probably in January 2024 in Japan.

Since the Mexican Christian did not lose by stoppage – and being the rumble an exciting good match – it is highly possible that the young Mexican might be kept among the world’s top 15 bantamweights in the Planet, although that is not 100% sure.

Before the fight, Christian was as WBC #13, WBO #5, and IBF #6.

Today’s entertaining 12-rounder in Osaka was produced by Promoter former world champion Koki Kameda live on ESPN.

The author, boxing writer Carlos Costa, can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and WhatsApp +639184538152.

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