Shinsuke Yamanaka won’t retire, will rematch Luis Nery for title

Former WBC batamweight titlist Shinsuke Yamanaka (27-1-2, 18 KOs) has formally announced that he will continue his career and rematch Luis Nery (25-0, 19 KOs) following the WBC’s mandate of an immediate rematch.

Yamanaka had been on the verge of tying Japan’s all-time record of title defenses but wasemphatically knocked out by Nery at the end of the summer. The only problem was that it turned out that Nery tested positive for banned substances leading into the fight, which cast a huge shadow on the result.

Ultimately the WBC ruled that it couldn’t determine that Nery didn’t fail his drug test because of the tainted beef he said he ingested, and therefore, instead of stripping him of the title, demanded that Nery run it back with Yamanaka.

It’s really a tough break for Yamanaka, who was so close to making history, but he’ll at least get a chance to win back his title, so he’s greatful for that opportunity.

“I am happy with the decision of the WBC to have a direct rematch.

“I’m not satisfied with that fight with Luis Nery. I’m excited to know that I can face Nery again. Based on my mentality and work, I have confidence in gaining revenge.”

And while the WBC was sorting out this whole mess, Nery just plugged along and fought a non-title bout this past weekend, stopping Arthur Villanueva in six rounds. No word yet on when the Nery-Yamanaka rematch might take place.