Earlier today it was announced that Japanese veteran Akihiro Kondo (37-12-3, 21) [近藤明広] will return to the ring in February, when he will face once beaten Belgian fighter Antoine Vanackere (23-1, 13) in a bout for the IBF International title at 140lbs
The 39 year old Kondo, will be making his European debut in the bout, and adds Belgium to Kazakhstan and the US for places he's fought, outside of Japan. Although he's 39 and has been a professional since 2006 he has shown some life in recent fights, earning a draw with Eikichi Kawamura in September, and scoring a win over Jose Manuel Garcia Vazquez last year. Best known for his loss in an IBF world title fight against Sergey Lipinets in 2017, and his brutal KO loss to Apinun Khongsong in 2019, he has long been a staple at the top of the domestic scene in Japan, and despite having 12 losses he is still very much a live under-dog, with his stamina, toughness, experience and desire. Sadly though he is somewhat slow, plodding and a bit predictable at times, and does struggle with good movement, often seeing him down on the scorecards early on.
Speaking about the contest Kondo stated "I would like to thank Mitsuki Gym's Katsura trainer for making the match, and Chairman Kobayashi for agreeing to it. I am grateful to my staff, supporters, and family for allowing me to continue at this age and in this position. I intend to repay them with results. I will definitely come back victorious. Thank you for your support,"
As for Vanackere "The One" has been a professional since 2016 and is unbeaten since a shock 2018 loss to Ruben Garcia, in what is Garcia's only KO win. Since that loss he has reeled off 15 wins, and won a national title, along with an IBO Continental and the IBF International title, which he will be defending for the first time here. Aged 29 he is much younger than Kondo, but this will be a major step up for him, and his first bout against a fighter with some world level experience.
The bout will take place on February 20th in Seraing, Belgium.
