Philippines, 11 Mar 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Felix Alvarado Defeats Reiya Konishi, Retains IBF Light Fly Belt in Japan


PhilBoxing.com





In an exciting battle, IBF Light Flyweight World Champion Nicaraguan Felix Alvarado scored a well-deserved 12-round unanimous decision victory over local world-ranked 108-pounder Reiya Konishi for a successful first world title defense Sunday, May 19, at the plush Portopia Hotel in Kobe, Japan.

The hard-punching Alvarado (35-2, 30 KO's) dominated the majority of fighting chapters, even having the 25-year-old Konishi through perilous moments, not that far from being stopped, though in a couple of instances the bell saved the lucky Nippon warrior, who displayed strength, heart, and endurance throughout the rough world title encounter.

Konishi's tactic of clinching and holding might have saved him from further damage, though no points for holding were deducted during the close quarters battle in which the superiority of the tall and experienced 30-year-old Nicaraguan was crystal clear.

"I won, but it was tough. My opponent Konishi was really strong," said Alvarado to boxing reporter Bayron Saavedra of Boxeo de Nicaragua.

"He (Konishi) badly wanted my belt. I threw at him as hard as I could possibly do and he would not go down. When in trouble, he held me, neutralizing my attack. Actually, it worked out good for him, though his boxing is kind of rough, sometimes coming head first.

"My path to victory was my superior boxing technique and my excellent physical conditioning. My work and sweat of months at training camp paid off tonight. Tonight I am a winner. Viva Nicaragua!"


Winning Team. IBF Champion Felix Alvarado with his award winning coach Luis Ernesto Cortez.

For his title defense against Konishi, the disciplined Alvarado trained in his native Nicaragua by his experienced award-winning head coach Luis Ernesto Cortez, 71, a veteran man of boxing who used to work in the corner of Nicaraguan legendary champion Alexis Arg?ello.

Final scorecards were 118-110, 116-112 and 117-111 all in favor of Felix Alvarado, 30, who after his win, express to Boxeo de Nicaragua his interest in staying in the weight class to unifying against any of his fellow Light Flyweight world champs.


The author Carlos Costa is a Panama boxing reporter living in the Philippines. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and by whatsapp/viber/wechat: +639184538152.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Benavidez-Ramirez presents his mega fight on "WBC Tuesday Coffe" in Mexico City
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 11 Mar 2026
  • “The Cuban Assassin" Scores Devastating 1st Round Knockout to Remain Undefeated
    , Wed, 11 Mar 2026
  • Boxlab Promotions Fighters Set to Shine on Matchroom Boxing Card March 21 in Orlando
    , Wed, 11 Mar 2026
  • World Boxing Futures Cup in Bangkok Update
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 11 Mar 2026
  • Full Card Taking Shape for ProBoxTV’s Martinez Vs. Aleem World Championship Event on Sat., March 21, from NOS Event Center in San Bernardino, CA
    , Wed, 11 Mar 2026
  • Mike Tyson Invitational Announces Schedule of Events for Amateur Showcase Beginning This Thursday in Las Vegas
    , Wed, 11 Mar 2026
  • Filipino chess players make a courtesy visit to GAB chairman
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 11 Mar 2026
  • 3 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Shane Mosley Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Wed, 11 Mar 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 8 MARCH 2026: Opetaia Outpoints Glanton to Win Inaugural Zuffa Belt; Ricardo Salas, Vlad Panin Register Wins
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 10 Mar 2026
  • Brijhana Epperson and Christian Paez Highlight Day Two of 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup
    , Tue, 10 Mar 2026
  • Beltran, Prado rule Samal Half Marathon
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 10 Mar 2026
  • Meinke-Vargas IBF Featherweight Female World Championship Set for 12 rounds?
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 10 Mar 2026
  • Ruiz and Veloz Earn Dominant Wins on Opening Day of 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup
    , Tue, 10 Mar 2026
  • Top Rank Signs Undefeated Lightweight Prospect Sammy Contreras
    , Tue, 10 Mar 2026
  • 153 swimmers safely complete Davao-Samal-Davao Cross Channel
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 10 Mar 2026
  • Leading World Cruiserweight Contender Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki returns from 15-month layoff with another overpowering KO
    , Mon, 09 Mar 2026
  • Roca, Bernardino share top honors in Tea Block rapid chess tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 08 Mar 2026
  • Fastpitch Softball on March 20-22 in Calinan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 08 Mar 2026
  • Opetaia vs Glanton: Dana White Crowns First Boxing Champion. Is Fight Worthy?
    By Chris Carlson, , Sun, 08 Mar 2026
  • In Thrilling Showdown, Pagara Falls Short Against Polkinghorn by Points.
    , Sun, 08 Mar 2026
  • Unofficial Unification Tournament Brewing For Welterweights
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Sat, 07 Mar 2026
  • Fight Results from Montreal: Steven Butler Obliterates Ramadan Hiseni; Wins by Lenar Perez, Jhon Orobio and Steve Claggett
    By Eric Armit, , Sat, 07 Mar 2026
  • Former Champ Junior Makabu visits WBC offices in Mexico City
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 07 Mar 2026
  • WEIGHTS FROM SYDNEY, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA
    , Sat, 07 Mar 2026
  • Weights from Atlantic City
    , Sat, 07 Mar 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.