Tanaka Vacates And Opens The Door For WBO To Sanction Acosta/Alejo For World Title
Puerto Rico native Angel Acosta was already accomplishing a major goal by fighting in Madison Square Garden on Miguel Cotto’s undercard. Now he may be able to fulfill an even bigger dream as his fight this Saturday against former world title contender Juan Alejo could be for the vacant WBO junior flyweight title. The fight was already set to be for an interim title.
As reported by 3KingsBoxing.com, Kosei Tanaka, who defeated Acosta in the Puerto Rican’s last fight, vacated his WBO title earlier today [link below]. Tanaka is planning a move to the 112lb flyweight division as he tries to capture his third division title at the young age of 22.
The fight will not be part of the HBO televised card but will be streamed live by Ringtv.com as coverage of the preliminary bouts will begin at 7p.m.
Acosta, 16-1 16KO, suffered his only loss as mentioned above to Tanaka back in May as the Japanese sensation was able to win an unanimous decision. Prior to that bout though the Puerto Rico native appeared to be unstoppable as he kayoed everyone he faced up until that point.
Alejo, 24-4-1 14KO, lost the first three fights of his career but has gone 24-1-1 since. His only other defeat came at the hands of Filipino star Donnie Nietes for a world title a little over two years ago. He is currently trying to rebound from a split-draw against Luis Cerrito in September.
By: Chris Henderson
You can follow Chris on Twitter @4CornersBoxin
