Kosei Tanaka attempts his third title defense against Wulan Tuolehazi!
WHEN: December 31, 2019
WHERE: Ota-City General Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan
NETWORK: Japanese stream
TIME: 4:00 AM ET
When it comes to Asian boxing, there is a geographical and geopolitical rivalry between Japan and China. That rivalry continues on December 31 as Kosei Tanaka (14-0, 8 KOs) makes the third defense of the WBO Flyweight title against 10th ranked Wulan Tuolehazi (13-3-1, 6 KOs) in Tokyo.
For the champion, he has established himself as one of the best fighters in the world. Hoping for bigger and better challenges in 2020, he can not afford to slip up against a Toulehazi who is looking to pull off what would be a huge upset.
Kosei Tanaka
At his best, he is a pleasure to watch. While known mainly to hardcore fans, the 24 year-old from Nagoya, Japan is one of the most multi-faceted fighters you will see.
His arsenal as a fighter is very vast. Tanaka has an elite jab, quick hands, power, and is a low-key mean body puncher. The unbeaten three-time, three-division champ ( minimumweight, light flyweight and flyweight) is now starting to gain Pound for Pound recognition.
Keys To Victory: Tanaka
Use his faster hands, better footwork, and boxing ability to control the action from outside. Could he win an inside fight due to his hand speed and educated body attack? Yes, but that would fall right into the challenger’s hands.
Make the fight easier and use his natural advantages in talent and athleticism to work smarter, not harder.
Wulan Tuolehazi
The 26 year-old from Urumqi, China is a rugged and rough customer. Strong and physical, he is not much of a boxer. His mode of operation is to walk down and set up opponents for the right hand which is his best punch.
Keys To Victory: Tuolehazi
Make this a war and get in range to land the right hand as often as possible. He will not win a boxing contest against the champion. The best (and maybe only) path to victory to find a way to make the champion stand there and fight.
Prediction
Tanaka is the overwhelming favorite and Tuolehazi is a massive underdog. On paper, the champion has considerable advantages in every department in the book.
The challenger is taking a giant step up in competition. Bottom line, if Tanaka doesn’t come in the ring flat or gets caught with anything silly he should win this with ease. The fighter known as “Dream Boy” rolls in this one and will successfully retain the title by sixth-round stoppage.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
