Nashiro retains WBA super flyweight title

Nobuo Nashiro saw off a challenge by fellow Japanese fighter Konosuke Tomiyama with a technical knockout in defending his WBA super flyweight title Saturday.

The TKO came one minute 22 seconds into the eighth round and was Nashiro’s first defence of the title he won by beating compatriot Kohei Kono in September.

Nashiro was knocked down in the first and sixth rounds, but he sent Tomiyama to the floor in the eighth round with a powerful right, forcing the referee to stop the fight soon afterwards.

“I never expected to fall down in the first round and it affected my fight. I was nervous,” said Nashiro.

The 27-year-old Nashiro, who had become the champion in July 2006 but lost to Alexander Munoz of Venezuela in his second defence, now has 13 wins, including eight KOs, against one defeat.

Tomiyama, 25, ranked ninth in the WBA, saw his record reduced to 18 wins, including six KOs, against two defeats. “I rushed too much to knock him out. My left guard slackened and I received too many rights,” said a dejected Tomiyama.

“I couldn’t win, although I was in really good form. I’m going to hang up my gloves. I’m not suitable for boxing.”

OSAKA, AFP