Nishida finishes Anuchai, keeps IBF 118lb belt

By Joe Koizumi

IBF bantamweight champion Ryosuke Nishida (10-0, 2 KOs), 117.5, kept his belt as he scored a fine knockout over Thai challenger Anuchai Donsua (16-1, 7 KOs), 117, at 1:37 of the seventh round on Sunday in Osaka, Japan. It was the lanky southpaw champ’s first defense since he dethroned Emmanuel Rodriguez by an upset decision this May. The taller lefty controlled the contest by utilizing his advantageous reach, and floored the unbeaten Thailander with a southpaw right hook midway in round five. The seventh saw Nishida land a vicious left uppercut to the midsection to deck him again this time for the count. The referee was Katsuhiko Nakamura, Japan.

In a semi-windup, Thailand’s Thanongsak Simsri (37-1, 33 KOs), 106.5, acquired the right to challenge the IBF light flyweight titlist Sivenathi Nontshinga of South Africa when he scored a hairline split decision (116-112, 115-113, 113-115) over ex-WBO minimum ruler Masataka Taniuchi (19-5, 13 KOs), 107.75, in an IBF eliminator over twelve see-saw rounds. Thanongsak turned more aggressive in the championship rounds to seize the hairline victory. Thanongsak’s OPBF belt was at stake, and he registered his second defense since dethroning Filipino Miel Fajardo.

WBO Asia Pacific middleweight titlist Riku Kunimoto (13-1, 7 KOs), 159.75, avenged his previous defeat by a first round stoppage three years ago by dispatching ex-champ Kazuto Takesako (17-3-1, 15 KOs), 159.5, at 2:39 of the first round. Riku decked his grudge rival twice with overhand rights to the temple.

Promoter: Muto Promotions.

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