Ozaki notches latest win, Ishida takes over gym
This past weekend the EDION Arena Osaka, played host to a small, yet notable card that saw one prospect claim a notable win, as he continues his rise through the ranks, whilst another fighter ended their career, and announced what the future holds for them.
The prospect in question was Yuga Ozaki (7-0-1, 5) [尾崎優日] who took his latest win as he scored a 10 round unanimous decision win over Japanese veteran Shota Asami (12-13, 7) [浅海勝太]. Ozaki, one of the brightest talents in West Japan, was always favoured to win here, but it was still a good work out as he dipped his toes at Flyweight, and took on someone who was experienced and knew their way around the ring.
Ozaki started perfectly, dropping Asami with a 1-2 in the first round, but hat was the only knockdown of the fight as Asami’s grit and determination saw him staying upright the right of the bout, he took a beating through the fight as Ozaki’s speed, accuracy and skills were showcased round after round. Asami played his part, surviving the beating, but this was a really a show case for Ozaki, who looks to be a very special fighter.
Another notable part of the event yesterday was the retirement ceremony of former world title challenger Sho Ishida (34-4, 17) [石田匠]. Ishida, who’s final bout was a decision loss to WBA Bantamweight champion Takuma Inoue (20-1, 5) [井上拓真], was joined in the ring by Kazunori Ioka, and it was announced that Ioka would be stepping down from the Ioka Gym and handing the keys to Ishida, who had trained there since he was a teenager, who will run the gym going forward, with the gym being re-named and put under his control from October 1st.
Speaking about the past Ishida stated "I'm proud to have been at Ioka Gym for 20 years and as a professional for 15 years. I was able to fight 38 times thanks to everyone's support. I'm more than happy than anything that I was able to do it at Ioka Gym, it's the best gym." Whilst Ioka, who had pretty much served as a father figure for Ishida, stated "You've worked hard and overcome many hardships in your 20 years of boxing. I hope you will keep that strong spirit and do your best in your second life."
The prospect in question was Yuga Ozaki (7-0-1, 5) [尾崎優日] who took his latest win as he scored a 10 round unanimous decision win over Japanese veteran Shota Asami (12-13, 7) [浅海勝太]. Ozaki, one of the brightest talents in West Japan, was always favoured to win here, but it was still a good work out as he dipped his toes at Flyweight, and took on someone who was experienced and knew their way around the ring.
Ozaki started perfectly, dropping Asami with a 1-2 in the first round, but hat was the only knockdown of the fight as Asami’s grit and determination saw him staying upright the right of the bout, he took a beating through the fight as Ozaki’s speed, accuracy and skills were showcased round after round. Asami played his part, surviving the beating, but this was a really a show case for Ozaki, who looks to be a very special fighter.
Another notable part of the event yesterday was the retirement ceremony of former world title challenger Sho Ishida (34-4, 17) [石田匠]. Ishida, who’s final bout was a decision loss to WBA Bantamweight champion Takuma Inoue (20-1, 5) [井上拓真], was joined in the ring by Kazunori Ioka, and it was announced that Ioka would be stepping down from the Ioka Gym and handing the keys to Ishida, who had trained there since he was a teenager, who will run the gym going forward, with the gym being re-named and put under his control from October 1st.
Speaking about the past Ishida stated "I'm proud to have been at Ioka Gym for 20 years and as a professional for 15 years. I was able to fight 38 times thanks to everyone's support. I'm more than happy than anything that I was able to do it at Ioka Gym, it's the best gym." Whilst Ioka, who had pretty much served as a father figure for Ishida, stated "You've worked hard and overcome many hardships in your 20 years of boxing. I hope you will keep that strong spirit and do your best in your second life."