Philippines, 01 Apr 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:

  • Is Floyd chickening out?
    By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • Bacaro to challenge Toyoshima on April 4
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • IBA steps forward as potential organiser for Bivol vs Beterbiev trilogy bout
    , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • PBF president Almario dies
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • Portland Trail Blazers have new owner after $4.25 billion sale
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • 2 Time World Champion Marcos Maidana Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 30 MARCH 2026: Itauma Destroys Franklin in 5; Fundora Dismantles Thurman in 6
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 31 Mar 2026
  • Panamanian WBC Judge Jesus Aleman murdered in Panama
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 31 Mar 2026
  • ‘I won’t be holding anything back! – Big Bad Bazley challenges The Pilgrim Ryan Williams for Heavyweight title May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54
    , Tue, 31 Mar 2026
  • ZAYAS AND BOOTS CLASH IN UNIFIED BLOCKBUSTER AT BARCLAYS CENTER, BROOKLYN ON JUNE 27 – LIVE AND EXCLUSIVE ON DAZN PPV
    , Tue, 31 Mar 2026
  • Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announces Full Card to Join Taduran Vs. Perez on Friday, April 3, at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. Live on ESPN Knockout
    , Tue, 31 Mar 2026
  • 13-0 prospect Marco Romero hasn’t lost a Fight in nearly 7 years and he’s only 20
    , Tue, 31 Mar 2026
  • WORLD ELITE SUMO ANNOUNCES NEW DATE – SATURDAY, MAY 16 – FOR LIVE PROFESSIONAL SUMO EVENT AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER
    , Tue, 31 Mar 2026
  • Filipino boy, 15, wins US chess meet
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 31 Mar 2026
  • 60 Years of Top Rank: Bob Arum’s First Fight Launched a Boxing Empire
    , Mon, 30 Mar 2026
  • Lebron James and son Bronny make NBA History
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 30 Mar 2026
  • Bryan Acosta Wins WBA Continental Americas Featherweight Championship with Unanimous Decision over Ronny Rios in Main Event of ProBoxTV from Thunder Studios in Long Beach
    , Sun, 29 Mar 2026
  • Filipino boy, 9, wins in Canada chess meet
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 29 Mar 2026
  • Vagabov and Ziyaev crowned champions at IBA Bare Knuckle 4 in Saint Petersburg
    , Sun, 29 Mar 2026
  • Sherwin Tiu captures Kamatyas Open Chess crown
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 29 Mar 2026
  • Fundora vs Thurman: Can Keith Thurman Shake Off The Rust?
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 28 Mar 2026
  • Albert Ramirez Against Lerrone Richards for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight World Title on June 4 in Montreal!
    , Sat, 28 Mar 2026
  • GM Daniel Quizon is the Favorite in 19th Kamatyas
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 28 Mar 2026
  • Weights From ‘Acosta vs. Rios’ Event from Thunder Studios in Long Beach, Calif., and Broadcast live on ProBoxTV
    , Sat, 28 Mar 2026
  • Mauricio Sulaiman: WBC maintains priority of the defense of fighters
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 28 Mar 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.