BBC Boxing: Nishida Claims IBF Bantamweight Title in Thrilling Battle
[LOCATION] – In a weekend packed with high-stakes boxing action, newly crowned IBF bantamweight champion Ryosuke Nishida secured his title in a hard-fought decision over Puerto Rican star Emmanuel Rodriguez. Nishida’s manager, Mike Altamura, admitted he was not expecting the “warfare” that unfolded in the ring.
Nishida, now boasting an impressive 9-0 (1 KO) record, emerged victorious against the experienced Rodriguez, who entered the bout as the defending champion with a 22-3 (13 KO) record. The fight was part of a busy weekend for Altamura, who was in the corner with Nishida in Osaka, Japan, on Saturday night and with TJ Doheny in Tokyo on Monday night.
Nishida’s Potential and Pedigree
Despite Rodriguez’s status as the titleholder, many felt the less-experienced Nishida had the potential to pull off the upset. As Altamura acknowledged:
“Absolutely. Sometimes in boxing, people are just unfamiliar. I think the insiders are on the Nishida freight train, but outside of the insiders, when a more casual fan sees a guy, 8-0, one knockout, they don’t know a lot about him, and then there’s Rodriguez, 22-2, solid, solid guy.”
Nishida’s impressive amateur pedigree and success in Japan’s university boxing system were key factors in his victory. Altamura noted that Nishida’s third-fight win over Shohei Omori, a two-time world challenger, and his subsequent victory over former WBC flyweight champion Daigo Higa, showcased his talent and potential.
A Grueling Battle
The fight itself was a grueling affair, with Nishida showcasing his grit and determination. As Altamura said, “I expected the victory. I didn’t expect 12 rounds [of] trench warfare.” Nishida’s team had a clear game plan, which included targeting Rodriguez’s body and then working upstairs, a strategy that paid off in the fourth round when Nishida dropped his opponent with a well-placed left hand to the liver.
In the end, Nishida’s willingness to stand and trade, embracing his “Samurai” spirit, earned him the right to be crowned the new IBF bantamweight champion in a thrilling display of boxing skills and heart.
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