| |
|
Moruti Mthalane Decisions Masayuki Kuroda, Retains IBF Flyweight Belt in Tokyo, Japan
By Carlos Costa PhilBoxing.com Tue, 14 May 2019

A successful second world title defense for the veteran. South African IBF Flyweight World Champion Moruti "Baby Face" Mthalane (38-2, 25 KO's) scored a unanimous decision win over Japanese warrior Masayuki Kuroda (30-8-3, 16 KO's) to retain his shining red and golden belt today, Monday, May 13, at the famed Korakue Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
The experienced Moruti Mthalane made good use his ring savvy and toughness to deal with the strong Kuroda, a warrior made of steel.
Official tallies were 116-112 (twice) and 117-111 all in favor of the 36-year-old tough fighter from the land of Nelson Mandela.
With the win, Mthalane successfully gets a foothold on his new reign as IBF 112-pound king, vowing to be ready for any other tough challenger or fellow champion anytime, anywhere.
Mthalane is trained by his longtime friend, award-winning South African coach Colin Nathan.
On the losing corner, Masayuki Kuroda, again falls short of conquering a world title. Six years ago the fully-committed boxer Kuroda tried hard to win a belt in his battle against then champion Juan Carlos Reveco, losing by points. Same this time.
Still, the brave Masayuki Kuroda, 32, who ended the war with a swollen, almost shut right eye -- hurtful evidence of Mthalane's accurate counter left hooks -- is Japan's flyweight national champion.
The Mthalane vs Kuroda rumble for the IBF Flyweight world title today Monday, May 13, was a production of promoter Shosei Nitta of Kawasaki Nitta Promotions.
The author Carlos Costa is a Panama boxing reporter living in the Philippines. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and whatsapp/viber/wechat: +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 17 JUNE 2026: Bam Stops Vargas in 6; Wins by Michel Soro, Wilkens Mathieu, Elif Nur Turhan, Nataly Delgado and Abraham Perez By Eric Armit, , Tue, 16 Jun 2026Undefeated world champion Ataev faces experienced Venezuelan puncher Uzcátegui at IBA PRO 19 , Tue, 16 Jun 2026Full Fight Card Set for MF Pro’s “Pugilist Revolution” June 19 at Thunder Studios in Long Beach , Tue, 16 Jun 2026Campbell son of Ricky Hatton confirms ring return By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 16 Jun 2026Deaño to fight for ABF super feather title By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 16 Jun 2026Former champ Andy Ruiz could return against Huggie Fury in 2026 By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 16 Jun 2026Mexican legend Jackie Nava inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 15 Jun 2026Ronnie Alvarez Dominates Filip Stankovic, Scores Seventh-Round TKO at Desert Diamond Arena , Sun, 14 Jun 2026THE CROWNING OF BAM: Rodriguez Overcomes Early Storm to Detonate Vargas in Six, Eyes Inoue Super-Fight By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 14 Jun 2026New York Knicks win the NBA Championship with historic comeback By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 14 Jun 2026Panamanian superstar Nataly Delgado wins 115lb female WBA world championship in Orlando, Florida By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 14 Jun 2026IBA Bare Knuckle to make historic United States debut in Miami , Sun, 14 Jun 2026Laurente remains undefeated, TKOs Aguan in Gensan By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 14 Jun 2026Foundation stone laid for the first-ever IBA arena in Dushanbe , Sun, 14 Jun 2026Jerick Faeldonia Wins One Chess Movement Tournament By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 14 Jun 2026Bam Rodriguez vs Antonio Vargas & Martinez vs Cardenas Preview and Picks By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 13 Jun 2026Popper vs. Seldon Jr. Official Weights for June 13 in Atlantic City , Sat, 13 Jun 2026GLENDALE, AZ FIGHT WEEK: OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS FOR BAM VS VARGAS – LIVE ON DAZN , Sat, 13 Jun 2026Undefeated Middleweight Amir Anderson Meets Jonas Sylvain in Battle of Unbeatens on DAZN , Sat, 13 Jun 2026Munsayac, Celones get FMA award By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 13 Jun 2026Weigh-In Results for Sanman 101: Laurente Eyes Home Victory , Fri, 12 Jun 2026Arleah Cassandra Sapuan of Valencia, Negros finishes ninth in Las Vegas chess By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 12 Jun 2026EVERY WORD FROM THE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE AHEAD OF BAM VS. VARGAS IN GLENDALE, ARIZONA , Fri, 12 Jun 2026IBA President warns Olympic movement will fade unless IOC rewards athletes and reforms now , Fri, 12 Jun 20262026 NBA Finals: Knicks Rally from 29 Points Down to Steal Game 4 from Spurs 107-106 By Reylan Loberternos, , Thu, 11 Jun 2026 |

|
|
|
|
|