Moruti Mthalane Disposes of Akira Yaegashi in Nine
In a terrific back and forth battle, Moruti Mthalane (39-2, 26 KOs) broke down and ultimately overpowered fan-favorite Akira Yaegashi (28-7, 16 KOs) in nine rounds to retain the IBF World Flyweight title for the third time at the Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan.
THE BREAKDOWN
Yaegashi got off to an excellent start, boxing on the move and pot-shotting during the first three rounds. Mthalane patiently stalked with his hands high, looking to find the range.
Round four saw the action heat up. Both men stand in the center of the ring, trading with success. The challenger landed flurries to the body and head while the champ found success with stiff jabs and combinations. The 37-year-old Mthalane and the 36-year-old Yaegashi were throwing punches at a rate that truly belied their age, with each man showing guile and terrific skill throughout.
The middle rounds saw the action from both men continue. The tide turned early in the 8th for Mthalane as he hurt Yaegashi with a left-hook to the liver, who fought hard to survive the round.
Round nine saw the champ continue with the pressure. A high-volume puncher, he once again hurt Yaegashi late in the round, this time courtesy of a right-hand to the head. Sensing a wounded warrior, the man from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa pounced as he poured on the punches, forcing referee Mario Gonzalez to step in and call a halt to the contest with six seconds to go in the round.
CONCLUSION
A former world champion at strawweight, light flyweight, and flyweight, Akira Yaegashi has had a long and distinguished career. With this defeat, it looks to be the end for the very popular Japanese veteran.
Moruti Mthalane continues to amaze. Earning a career-high seven-figure payday, his star is brighter than ever. The fighter known as “Babyface” looks to be drinking from the fountain of youth. In spite of his age, he looks to be fighting better now than at any point during what has been an outstanding career.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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