Anthony Olascuaga Gets a Hard-Earned Win Over Hiroto Kyoguchi
Hard-hitting American Anthony “Princesa” Olascuaga put the WBO flyweight title on the line against former two-division champion Hiroto Kyochuchi at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo, Japan. Olascuaga came into the bout on a tremendous wave of momentum.
He won the then-vacant WBO title with a third-round knockout over Riko Kanu. In his first title defense, the resident of Los Angeles, California scored a first-round stoppage over Jonathan Gonzalez in October 2024.
Kyoguchi has won world titles at 105 and 108 pounds. However, his career has not been the same since suffering a seventh-round stoppage to Kenshiro Teraji in November 2022. The reality is that he’s looked shaky and vulnerable at 112. However, the warrior from Japan is a fighter of immense pride. He hungers to win a world title in a third weight class.
DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THE SCORECARDS
Normally a super-aggressive and attacking fighter, Kyoguchi (19-3, 12 KOs) was more tactical in the opening rounds as he did a good job of picking his spots. More importantly, he wasn’t leaving himself open.
Olascuaga (9-1, 6 KOs) had difficulty landing with any consistency and was reduced to trying to box from distance and attempt to create openings for himself, which is not his game. At the halfway mark of the contest, the champion showed signs of frustration.
Olescuaga began to gain some rhythm during the middle rounds while Kyoguchi continued to fight with poise and precision. There was a controversial moment at the halfway mark in round eleven when the Japanese fighter lost his balance and went down on his knees after missing with a right hand. Instead of calling it a slip, the referee ruled it a knockdown.
Sensing he was in jeopardy of losing, the American fought with more urgency in the final rounds. It was enough for the judges, as they scored the fight for Olascuaga by a unanimous decision (117-111, 118-110, 114-113). This reporter felt the challenger did enough to win. Olascuaga’s next title defense could occur in the United States this summer. As for Kyoguchi, this defeat could have him contemplating calling it a career.
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