Tomorrow Korakuen Hall plays host to the latest Phoenix Battle show, and it’s a really solid one with 3 title bouts, one at regional level, one at national level and one at Youth national level. Today, the men involved on the show took part in their weigh-in for their respective contests.
The main event of the show will see OPBF Super Bantamweight champion
Kazuki Nakajima (16-2-1, 13) [中嶋一輝] make his second defense, as he takes on the unbeaten challenger Juiki Tatsuyoshi (16-0-1, 10) [辰吉寿以輝], in a massive step up for the challenger. On the scales Nakajima originally came in just over the limit, but reweighed soon afterwards behind a towel, making the limit dead on. Tatsuyoshi on the other hand was well under the limit, at 121.25lbs.
After the weigh-in Nakajima stated "I went a little over, but it's no problem. I'm in great shape," before adding "He's from the same Kansai region, so he's getting a lot of attention. I'll fight well and knock him out in the end."As for Tatsuyoshi he explained "It's a powerful vs. powerful match. Competitiveness will be the key,", and added that his father, and former world champion, Joichiro Tatsuyoshi visited a few days ago with encouragement saying it was for him to "Get pumped up." Regarding his preparation he added "I've done everything I could. I've practiced enough to be able to fight for 12 rounds, and I'll make sure to beat him in the end."The main support bout will see Japanese Welterweight champion David Ssemujju (6-1, 4) make his first defense as he takes on Takeru Kobata (14-6-1, 6) [小畑武尊], himself a former interim champion. On the scales Ssemujju, a Ugandan born fighter who is now fighting out of Japan, was 146lbs whilst Kobata was 146.2lbs.The champion explained "This is my first time in winter in Japan and it's cold, but I'm in good condition. I'm an athlete, so I can handle any temperature,", then he added that he was prepared after "being able to train in a good environment." Regarding Kobata he stated "He's a southpaw with a strong punch, but that's no problem. I'll fight well and defend my title."As for Kobata he explained "I thought he was taller. His body was toned, so I wonder how he will recover tomorrow." He then added some analysis of the champion, explaining "If I'm in the same position, my opponent will do what he wants, so I'll move myself and not get swallowed up in his pace." He seemed hungry, but this is very clearly a bout where he will be regarded as the clear under-dog.The other title bout will see unbeaten 23 year old Yusei Yamazaki (4-0, 4) [山﨑裕生] and 19 year old Ryota Muto (6-1-1, 4) [武藤涼太] battle for the Japanese Youth Super Bantamweight title. Yamazaki was the slightly heavier man here, at 121.7lbs, whilst Muto was 121.5lbsOne other bout of note on this card is a contest between the hotly tipped 22 year old prospect Shogo Tanaka (1-0) [田中将吾] and 19 year old Thai Natsaphon Manonom (3-1, 3), who are scheduled for 8 rounds at a contracted 51.5KG (around 113.6lbs). Tanaka was 113.3lbs for the bout, whilst the Thai visitor was 113.1lbs
