GEN SANTOS CITY [Dec. 19] -- Katsunari Takayama of Japan is the new International Boxing Organization World minimumweight champion after he beat erstwhile unbeaten Kha Lu of Australia last night, December 18 at the Bula Gym in Gensan.
The 41-year-old Takayama showed the shorter Lu how boxing should be fought as he displayed constant motion in the whole 12-round bout.
Takayama, a former 4-time world champion, seemed not tired as he kept hitting Lu with punches left and right all the time.
It was only in the 9th round that Lu hurt Takayama with his punches.
Judges Nowel Haduca [118-110], Antonio Comia [119-109] and Rodney Marsh [120-108] scored all in favor of Takayama for a unanimous decision.
Takayama improved his record to 35 wins with 12 knockouts and nine loses, while the 24-year old Lu suffered his first setback after seven wins with three knockouts.
“Thanks to all of your encouragement and support, we were able to conquer five groups,” said Takayama.
Takayama has set a new record by becoming the only fighter in history to be crowned All-Body Champion at 105-pound - WBC [2005], WBA [2006], IBF [2013 & 2015], WBO [2014 & 2017] and IBO [2024].
Takayama was awarded by IBO supervisor Steve Scott the vacant golden belt in front of promoters Jim Claude “JC” Manangquil and Dexter Tan of Sanman Boxing.
It was the first IBO world title championship in boxing held in the Philippines.
"We did this in Gensan and two boxers, who are both foreigners,” said Manangquil.
Meanwhile, WBO Oriental bantamweight champion Reymart “Assasin” Gaballo of Polomolok scored a 3rd round knockout over James Pagalingof Misamis in the main supporting bout.
The other results:
Gabriel Santisima TKO’d Ponciano Remandiman in the 5th
Vince Paras TKO’d Anthony Gilbuela in 3rd round
Abubakar Yanon knockout Ernesto Camiguing in the 3rd round
Alex Santisima Jr. TKO’d Ryan Rey Ponteras in 3rd round
Dave Apolinario beat Jeny Boy Boca by a unanimous decision
CHAMP AGAIN. Katsuari Takayama is again a world champion with trainer Nobuhiro Ishida, a former WBA light middleweight champion.[photo by SANMAN]
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