Kosei Tanaka is the new WBO Flyweight Champion
In an outstanding bout, Kosei Tanaka won his third title in a third weight division as he defeated Sho Kimura by majority decision. The official scorecards read 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112.
This fight began at a tremendous pace with no real let-up as both Kimura (17-2-2, 10KO) and Tanaka (12-0, 7KO) fought with great intensity from the opening bell. Tanaka struck early as with 30 seconds to go in the second round; making Kimura’s knees buckle as he stunned the champ with a counter left hook to the head.
In round four, Tanaka started to use his advantages in hand and especially footspeed to good use. Kimura is a tank and landed plenty hard shots of his own.
However, Tanaka was more effective landing combinations to the head and body. Through the first half of the bout, the challenger had the slight edge.
The terrific action carried on into the second half as the champion was intent on pressuring his opponent while focusing on body shots.
For his part, Tanaka’s strategy was to box.
By round seven, swelling started to develop over the right eye of Kimura. In round nine the champion looked as if he was slowing down a bit but he gritted his teeth rallied in the and 11th round. During the final round, both fighters dug in and gave it their all to conclude what was a war of a championship fight.
With this win, Tanaka ties Vasyl Lomachenko’s record as the fastest fighter to achieve 3 divisional titles. Both men obliterate the old record held by Australian Jeff Fenech by eight fights!
Now the new WBO flyweight champion, unification has to be on the mind of Kosei Tanaka!
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
