Former WBC minimumweight world champ Katsunari Takayama (24W-4L, 10 KO’s) of Japan will return to South Africa and face unbeaten IBF minimumweight champ Nkosinathi Joyi (21W-0L, 15 L) in Johannesburg, South Africa this January 29. Last year, Takayama trained at the ALA gym of Cebu and signed a contract last May with ALA Promotions.
Takayama then fought and beat Tshepo Lefele of South Africa by 6th round TKO in a fight held in Gauteng, South Africa last September. Takayama’s victory opened the door for this title shot. Takayama actually injured his hand in Cebu prior to this fight when he avoided a speeding vehicle while jogging. This lead to the cancellation of his scheduled fight in Mandaue City last May. But everything ended well as he will be going after his third world title. Takayama was also a former WBA interim 105 lb division titlist.
ALA Promotions PR Chief Chad Ca?ares informed philboxing that Takayama opted to train this time in Japan for his title shot. Joyi won the IBF belt in March last year when he outpointed Raul Garcia of Mexico in East London, South Africa. The bout against Takayama will be his first defence.
