Boxing: Junto Nakatani retains WBC crown, Kosei Tanaka loses split decision

TOKYO (Kyodo) — Japan’s Junto Nakatani won his second WBC bantamweight title defense with a sixth-round technical knockout Monday, while compatriot Kosei Tanaka lost his WBO super flyweight belt in a split decision.

In a world title tripleheader at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena, Nakatani, ninth in Ring magazine’s pound-for-pound rankings, started slowly against a fellow southpaw, Thailand’s Petch Sor Chitpattana, before flooring him midway through the sixth round.

A flurry of blows from Nakatani in the round’s final seconds sent the Thai once more to the canvas, and the referee stopped the fight. Nakatani’s record improved to 29-0 with his 22nd knockout.

“I knew my opponent is quite aggressive, so my plan was to be patient, stay on the defensive, watch and learn, and then go on the attack,” Nakatani said. “I’ve knocked out strong opponents like him before, so I was confident I had enough strength to knock him out.”

Petch’s record fell to 76-2.

Earlier, Tanaka lost his first title defense to unbeaten South African challenger Phumelele Cafu.

Cafu’s lively left hook proved a nuisance for Tanakabefore the fifth-ranked boxer’s right counter caught the champion’s face and sent him to the canvas midway through the fifth round.

Tanaka, who had been landing body blows from early rounds, responded in a strong seventh round and had a tiring Cafu back against the ropes in the final round, but the judges’ decision, all scored 114-113, went in the South African’s favor.

“This is everything I’ve ever wanted. Thanks to Tanaka for giving me this opportunity,” said Cafu, who improved to 11-0 with three draws and eight knockouts. “It was a really tough fight, probably the toughest I’ve had in my career.”

“I’m really frustrated. I was going for points in all the rounds (after being knocked down) to get myself back in the fight, but I feel I fell short,” said Tanaka after his record fell to 20-2 with 11 KOs. “Regarding my future, I don’t know is the only thing I can say.”

The fight between WBO flyweight champion Anthony Olascuaga of the United States and Puerto Rican Jonathan Gonzalez lasted less than a round without a decision. The two butted heads, leaving Gonzalez with a cut near his left eye and forcing the referee to call off the contest.