TJ Doheny decisions Ryohei Takahashi
Undefeated IBF Super Bantamweight champion TJ Doheny would put his title on the line against a very tough Ryohei Takahashi. This fight was his first official defense of the belt.
From the opening bell, Doheny would take control of the fight using the jab and superior footwork. He fought effectively throwing beautiful combinations, boxing in rhythm, and keeping the opponent off balance. There was a bit of drama from a clash of heads in the second round, causing cuts to both men.
However, the champion wouldn’t lose focus in the third round. He threw a straight left to the body of Takahashi, followed by a compact right hook that sent the challenger to the canvas.
In the middle rounds it was the same. The champ continued to show far superior skill. Doheny used footwork to move in, with punches, and out before the opponent could counter. Then, he followed up with more body work.
Takahashi, kept coming forward and even had a few good moments – landing decent body punches. In a very high octane pace, he showed he was prepared to go the distance.
Doheny turned it up in the championship rounds, landing body shots along with inside uppercuts. The movement and defense was on full display. Takahashi wasn’t on good legs, but was still applying pressure and coming forward. However, two good uppercuts prompted the referee to stop the fight in the eleventh round.
It felt strange to see that stoppage happen, considering the fact the challenger was still fighting. Takahashi wasn’t complaining about the stoppage. He gave a very spirited performance, but was just outclassed tonight.
In the middle of the ring after the fight the fans, saw Doheny, along with WBA champion Daniel Roman, verbally expressing their desire for a unification match-up.
By: Garrisson Bland
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