SUICO LOSES OPBF CROWN TO SASAKI!

Filipino Randy "Komong Bato" Suico lost his OPBF 140-lb title yesterday via split decision to Japan's Motoki Sasaki at the famed Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.

Two judges had it 115-113 for Sasaki while the third judge had Suico the winner, 114-113.

It was Suico's third loss in his last four fights.

The 34-year old Motoki Sasaki, a former world title challenger, who dropped a unanimous decision to WBA trinket holder Viacheslav Senchenko last October, thus added a second regional title to his trophy case by taking the Filipino?s OPBF Super Lightweight title by scores of 115-113 (twice) against one 114-113 for the Filipino fighter.

Sasaki?s awkward style, according to reports, befuddle Suico early on and again in the late rounds. The Filipino reportedly looked rigid and was throwing huge shots that could not hit the target. Suico, however, upped his momentum in the middle frames to build up a lead on the scorecards after eight.

Sasaki, on the other hand, was tentative and instead chose to move around to Suico's right to avoid the heavy punches. The few punches he did throw on Suico found their mark as they would come from unexpected angles.

The biggest punch for Sasaki during the fight came in the 10th frame when he dropped Suico with a flurry that was initially led by a huge left hook. The local fighter then tried to keep his momentum, overwhelming Suico, who visibly recovered from the knockdown was could not put back his torrid attack in the championship rounds.

Sasaki now improves his record to 34-8-1, 21KO. Suico falls to 29-6-1, 25KO.