Akui Gets Hard-Fought Split Decision Win Over Charunphak
Local product Seigo Yuri Akui put the WBA flyweight title on the line for the second time against Thailand’s Thananchai Charunphak at the Arike Arena in Tokyo, Japan. Akui wrested the WBA title away from the previously unbeaten and long-reigning champion Artem Dalakian by unanimous decision in January 2024.
After defending the crown with a decision win over countryman Taku Kuwahara in May 2024, he battled Charunphak. On paper, the resume of the Thai fighter was lacking in world-level opposition. However, he was on a mission to become a champion in his first world title opportunity.
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In the early rounds, Charunphak (25-2, 15 KOs) did an excellent job creating distance, fighting behind his jab, and countering with solid right hands to the head and body. Akui (21-2-1, 11 KOs) was the aggressor, but the challenger’s height and reach gave him problems.
The middle rounds saw Akui raise his game. He doubled his efforts to cut off the ring and close this distance. That extra effort paid off as he began to land with more consistency. Charunphak was an unrelenting warrior and fought back hard. The second half of this fight became a war, with both fighters landing big shots.
Despite the spirited effort from the Thai fighter, one judges scored it in his favor 115-113, while the other two judges saw it 115-113, and 117-111 for Akui.
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