Philippines, 28 Jan 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


NAKAYAMA DETHRONES CLAVERAS, GRABS OPBF CROWN


PhilBoxing.com




JAPANESE challenger Keisuke Nakayama used his footwork advantage and stinging jabs to dethrone Oriental and Pacific Federation (OPBF) flyweight champion Richard Claveras via a split decision last Tuesday night (June 13) at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

Nakayama of the Watanabe Gym kept Claveras at bay with his jabs, which most wobbled the Filipino champion a few times.

The scores after four rounds were announced with Claveras (39-37) and Nakayama (40-36) each picked by the two judges while the other judge saw it 38-all.

But Nakayama landed more telling blows that forced Claveras to got back on the ropes in the next two rounds.

In the 7th, Claveras came out blazing and wobbled Nakayama a few times putting the pressure on. Both fighters battled it out as they both received damaging blows in the 8th round. Two judges both scored it 78-74 for Nakayama while the other one had it 76-all.

In the 10th, Claveras landed a left hook which took Nakayama by surprise. But with a lot of heart and diligence Nakayama battled it out.

In the 12th, judges Kazuo Abe of Japan and Dan Nietes of the Philippines - had it for Claveras, but was not enough to take the win as the Malaysian judge Ringo Coldenhoff gave it for Nakayama, who won by a split decision.

Abe and Coldenhoff tallied 116-112 and 115-113 both for Nakayama while Nietes scored it 115-113 for Claveras.

?Had the Malaysian also scored it a 10-9 for Claveras in the 12th round, his total score would be 114-all which could have been a split draw instead,? said Makmak of Team Claveras.
?The Japanese and Filipino judges both gave the 12th and final round for Claveras because it was very clear,?

International matchmaker Warren Elliot said a possibility of a rematch is not yet clear.

?We (also) have the option of the title defense. (But) We might get another Filipino boxer,? said Elliot of United International Boxing Promotions.

The 28-year old Nakayama improved his record to 10 wins with four knockouts against two defeats and one draw.

Claveras, who won the interim OPBF flyweight title via a majority decision against Jeronil Borres last September 30 at the Strike Coliseum in Bacoor, Cavite dropped to 17-3-2, 14 knockouts.

Photo: Richard Claveras lands a left straight on Keisuke Nakayama during their title fight held June 13 at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by WARREN ELLIOT)


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Lito delos Reyes.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • TEOFIMO LOPEZ AND SHAKUR STEVENSON FACE-OFF AT KNICKS GAME AS COUNTDOWN TO ‘THE RING 6’ ON SATURDAY BEGINS
    , Wed, 28 Jan 2026
  • Davao to sponsor P500K in IRONMAN 70.3
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 28 Jan 2026
  • JOSH KELLY SOUNDS WARNING TO WORLD TITLE RIVAL BAKHRAM MURTAZALIEV AS HE TARGETS HISTORIC NORTH EAST HOMECOMING
    , Wed, 28 Jan 2026
  • Gallegos and Alvarez Shine Bright with Knockout Wins at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
    , Wed, 28 Jan 2026
  • Pedro Carrasco Remembered in Spain 25 Years After His Passing
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 28 Jan 2026
  • Gensan Outdoor, Gensan Educator support MFPI 5th Mindanao Summit in Mt. Apo
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 28 Jan 2026
  • Vitor vs Subkhankulov, Tapales vs Kalsynov in Double IBF Asia Title Fights in Moscow on Feb. 13
    By Dong Secuya, , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • “It’s about owning my own journey” Jeanine Brown retuns for Title Clash March 13 – Thunderdome 53
    , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • Long Boxing Journey settles in New Bedford, MA for Junior Featherweight prospect Joshua Alvarado
    , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • Steph Curry is 19th leading scorer of the NBA
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • Ocum is WBC Asian lightweight champ
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh Believes he will stop Jarrell Miller this Saturday at Madison Square Garden
    , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • David Ray Sarmiento finishes second place in Cologne January Blitz 2026.
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 25 JANUARY 2026: Raymund Muratalla Edges Andy Cruz; Walsh Outpoints Ocampo
    By Eric Armit, , Mon, 26 Jan 2026
  • MFPI 5th Mindanao Summit at Mt. Apo on February 19-22
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 26 Jan 2026
  • OLYMPIC BOXING 8: 1948 OLYMPICS AT LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Mon, 26 Jan 2026
  • Golden Gloves Launches on Meta Quest Store, Establishing the First Official Esports Competition Pathway for Amateur Boxing
    , Mon, 26 Jan 2026
  • Andy Cruz vs Raymond Muratalla: Who Will Execute?
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Libranza to fight undefeated Tso for IBF Pan Pacific bantam
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Filipino Cue Artist RJ Bautista Ready to Shine at the Las Vegas Open 2026
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • MURATALLA VS. CRUZ WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER
    , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Channels
    , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Ballesteros not yet ready against Ocum
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Chocolatito Gonzalez to undergo shoulder surgery
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • NM Nika finishes Sixth in Czech Republic Blitz chess tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.