Rene Santiago Puts On a Boxing Clinic to Oust Shokichi Iwata
Local hero Shokichi Iwata put the WBO junior flyweight title on the line against Rene Santiago at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo, Japan. Iwata won the WBO belt in October 2024 with a third-round stoppage over Jairo Noriega.
It was Santiago’s second world title try. Ranked number two by the WBO at 108, the challenger from Puerto Rico came looking for war. Both combatants are known for their punching power. On paper, this had the makings of an action-packed, explosive contest.
KEEPING HIS COOL THROUGHOUT
In the opening three rounds, Santiago (14-4, 9 KOs) did his level best to use his jab and movement to keep the champion at bay. Iwata (14-2, 11 KOs) fights like a Sherman tank – willing to take a few punches so he can land his own power shots. Starting in round four, the champion got his offense going as he marched forward and began to pound the midsection of the Puerto Rican.
However, Iwata fell into the mode of becoming predictable with his punches and method of attack. As a result, Santiago was able to weather the storm, time, and tag the champion during the middle rounds. Iwata was banking that the pace and his power would make Santiago wilt. Instead, it was Santiago who was gaining confidence as he continued to pepper the home fighter during the championship rounds.
The efforts of the challenger were rewarded by the judges as they scored the fight in his favor by unanimous decision (118-110, 117-111, 116-112). It was a well-earned victory for Santiago who took over and controlled the second half of the contest.
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