MOST Japanese boxers seldom dare to tread on international soil for fights and rather stick to fighting in their native Japan.
But not former world champion Katsunari Takayama, who is breaking that trend as he showcases his skills internationally, for the first time, under the banner of his new promoter, the Cebu-based ALA Promotions, this coming Saturday at the Mandaue City Sports Complex
The 27-year-old Takayama, who is the first foreign fighter handled by ALA Promotions, will have his international debut against the tough Jayson Rotoni in a 10-round non-title bout.
Little is known about the young former World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association mini-flyweight champion because he has never fought outside Japan. However, ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer expects a slugfest.
“Takayama is new to the Philippines but it’s really big news for Philippine boxing because he’s a former world champion,” said Aldeguer. “Japanese fighters really come to fight. I expect a really good fight because he wants to show the Filipinos what he’s made of,” he added.
Takayama, 23-4, 9 KOs, plans to start a career in the Philippines and another shot at challenging for another world title, which is being worked by his new handlers.
ALA Promotions is prepping up Takayama for an International Boxing Federation (IBF) mini-flyweight title eliminator against South African Tshepo Lefele in August, if he gets past Rotoni (10-5-1, 6 KOs), this Saturday.
“He has to win his upcoming elimination fight. If he makes it he will be fighting for a world title,” said the Cebuano promoter.
If Takayama hurdles past No.2 contender Lefele, then, he will face undefeated IBF title-holder Nkosinathi Joyi.
One of the most promising fighters of the ALA Gym, Larry Canilas, is also seeing action in the boxing show dubbed “Best of Boxing 1.”
He will be facing fellow Filipino Dexter Mendoza in a 10-round fight.
Also included in the card is an exciting 6-round showdown between the zany Jun Intor and Mark Jesson Taroja. The event also features four other preliminary bouts.
