Philippines, 20 Mar 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:

  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: The WBC Continues the Fight for the Good of the Sport
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Fri, 20 Mar 2026
  • AMMO: ADAMES FIGHT WILL BE EXPLOSIVE
    , Fri, 20 Mar 2026
  • Carlos De Leon Training Camp Notes
    , Fri, 20 Mar 2026
  • The Highly Anticipated  Box Fan Expo Invitational 2026 Returns with A  USA Boxing Amateur Show
    , Fri, 20 Mar 2026
  • Placibe, Sales tops Sprint Challenge
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 20 Mar 2026
  • Lester Martinez vs. Immanuwel Aleem Los Angeles Media Day Quotes
    , Thu, 19 Mar 2026
  • MAPUA, PSKAI R-10 to play in Best of Best
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 19 Mar 2026
  • IIEE Metro East dominates the 4th D’ Engineers’ Darts Cup 2026
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 19 Mar 2026
  • LIDDARD: WHY I'M RUNNING MATCHROOM HALF MARATHON AFTER TITLE DEFENCE AGAINST DENNY
    , Thu, 19 Mar 2026
  • Press Conference Notes: DAZN and Top Rank Sign Multi-Year Rights Deal
    , Thu, 19 Mar 2026
  • DAZN and Top Rank announce a landmark multi-year media rights deal bringing elite events and a storied archive to DAZN users worldwide
    , Thu, 19 Mar 2026
  • Sampson Boxing Signs Top Junior Lightweight Contender Charly Suarez to a Promotional Contract
    , Thu, 19 Mar 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 17 MARCH 2026: Collazo Stops Haro; Fundora KO Ruiz; Barboza Outpoints Sims; Cacace UD Dickens
    By Eric Armit, , Wed, 18 Mar 2026
  • Tapales Near Peak Form Ahead of April 3 Tokyo Showdown with Oguni
    , Wed, 18 Mar 2026
  • MILLER AND PERO CLASH IN HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN IN LAS VEGAS ON APRIL 25
    , Wed, 18 Mar 2026
  • Middleweight Championship Battle Between (C) Khamzat Chimaev and (#3) Sean Strickland Headlines UFC® 328 at Prudential Center Live on Paramount+
    , Wed, 18 Mar 2026
  • Sampson Lewkowicz & TM Boxing Sign Undefeated Mexican Prospect José Ángel Guerrero to Co-Promotional Deal
    , Wed, 18 Mar 2026
  • 12-Time World Champion & Hall of Famer James Toney Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Wed, 18 Mar 2026
  • Five stitches for Donaire’s cut
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 17 Mar 2026
  • Roberto Gomez Training Camp Notes
    , Tue, 17 Mar 2026
  • Esneth Domingo Trains at the Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles Ahead of His US Debut
    , Tue, 17 Mar 2026
  • Tatay Digong Birthday Run on March 28
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 17 Mar 2026
  • 12-0 prospect Marco Romero to headline This Friday in Independence, Missouri
    , Tue, 17 Mar 2026
  • 700 athletes on March 21-22 at UM
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 17 Mar 2026
  • United States Earns Four Gold Medals on Final Day of 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup
    , Mon, 16 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.