Anthony Olascuaga Should Target Yabuki Or Sandoval Next
Reigning WBO flyweight champion Anthony Olascuaga (12-1, 9 KOs) is building an impressive résumé at 112 pounds. However, there’s more left for him to accomplish. More specifically, he needs to take the next step in his career and seek a unification fight against either IBF belt-holder Masamichi Yabuki or unified champion Ricardo Sandoval.
In his most recent outing, Olascuaga displayed speed, power, and explosiveness during a ninth-round stoppage win over Jukiya Limura (9-2, 2 KOs) at the Yokohama Buntai Arena. Limura tried to use his jab to keep the champion at bay. However, Olascuaga began to apply the pressure and eventually found the range for his power shots. He produced a knockdown in round seven before ending matters in the ninth. In the end, the champion was simply too powerful and too sharp for the challenger.
TIME TO RAISE THE STANDARD
Olascuaga has established himself as a serious force in the lower-weight divisions. Thanks in large part to his growing popularity in Japan, a potential showdown with Yabuki would likely draw significant interest and generate a sizable payday. Both fighters have fan-friendly styles, which could make for an entertaining unification bout.
Meanwhile, Sandoval has an upcoming title defense against Galal Yafai. It would behoove the WBO champion to call out the winner of that upcoming contest. The bottom line is simple: it’s time for Olascuaga to pit himself against the very best in the flyweight division.
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