Eduardo Nunez Punishes Masanori Rakiishi to Win Vacant IBF Belt
For the first time in his career, Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez didn’t end a fight with a knockout. Nonetheless, the fighter from Mexico did more than enough to pound out a unanimous decision (115-113, 116-112, 117-111) over Masanori Rakiishi to win the vacant IBF junior lightweight title at the BUNTAI in Yokohama, Japan.
In the early rounds, Rakiishi (16-2, 11 KOs) did his level best to use his height and reach to keep Nunez (28-1, 27 KOs) at bay. However, starting in round four, Nunez shifted gears and began to pound the Japanese challenger with hooks and uppercuts to the head, as well as a bombardment of shots to Rakiishi’s body.
From the mid-way point, Sugar was dominant. The challenger was resilient and fought hard until the final bell, but he couldn’t overcome the physical strength, power, and work-rate of the Mexican fighter.
Given his punishing style and punching power, Nunez has the potential to be a long-term champion in a junior lightweight division devoid of one dominant fighter. The new IBF champion is promoted by Eddie Hearn, who already has an eye on a potential fight between Nunez and former WBA featherweight champion Raymond Ford later this year.
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