| |
|
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:
WIG-WHAM! MILLER PLANS ‘OLD SCHOOL’ BEATING OF PERO IN LAS VEGAS , Thu, 26 Mar 2026ProBoxTV Bringing a Storm of Flying Leather to Thunder Studios This Saturday, March 28, as Bryan Acosta Collides with Ronny Rios in Crossroads Bantamweight Slugfest , Thu, 26 Mar 2026Vito Mielnicki Jr. Training Camp Quotes , Thu, 26 Mar 2026Remembering Mr. Elorde: Still the Gold Standard By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026House of Representatives say yes to the Boxing Revitalization Act and it is now sent to the Senate By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026Ryan ‘The Polish Prince’ Kielczweski To return after 4-year layoff to fight at home on Granite Chin’s ‘Rumble at the Rink II’ card , Wed, 25 Mar 2026Ellaine Summer Abanco wins silver medal on tiebreak By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026Catubig, McDowell win in DC Athletic 4 By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026Team Juna wins first competition in IRONMAN 70.3 Davao By Kim delos Reyes-Teves, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026Round 12: Without Promoters there is no Boxing By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026Mexican female IBF Champion Irma Garcia to defend on April 5 in England By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 25 Mar 202614-0 super middleweight prospect Tommy ‘The Governor’ Hyde to headline April 18th at home in Cork, Ireland , Wed, 25 Mar 2026MMA legend Jon Jones joins IBA Bare Knuckle as global ambassador , Wed, 25 Mar 2026GOLDEN BOY SIGNS NEW EXCLUSIVE MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP EXTENSION WITH DAZN , Wed, 25 Mar 2026“The Takeover” Teofimo Lopez Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas , Wed, 25 Mar 2026Boxlab Promotions Fighters Shine with Statement Victories in Orlando , Tue, 24 Mar 2026Red Owl Boxing Presents Box Fest XVII on Friday, April 3rd at The Archer Music Hall in Allentown, PA and LIVE on DAZN , Tue, 24 Mar 2026Boxing world fans waiting Isis Sio prompty recovery; Team Isis Sio statement By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 24 Mar 2026National Master Nika Juris Nicolas rules National Youth & Schools Chess Championships , Tue, 24 Mar 2026SD FIGHT NIGHT: FAMILY BUSINESS DOUBLE MAIN EVENTS SET AS JULIUS “JUJU” BALLO SQAURES OFF AGAINST ROMAN REYES AT FRONTWAVE ARENA ON SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026 , Mon, 23 Mar 2026"I'M A MAN OF MY WORD": GEORGE LIDDARD COMPLETES MATCHROOM BRENTWOOD HALF MARATHON FOR CHARITY – HOURS AFTER DENNY WIN , Mon, 23 Mar 2026Lester Martinez Wins WBC Interim World Super Middleweight Championship with Unanimous Decision over Immanuwel Aleem , Sun, 22 Mar 2026IBF Pan Pacific champion Vince Paras set to face unbeaten OPBF champion Aoi Yokoyama in Kyrgyzstan , Sun, 22 Mar 2026King James sets NBA all-time record for most games played By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 22 Mar 2026Loaded boxing schedule By Joaquin Henson, , Sun, 22 Mar 2026 |

|
|
|
|
|