Philippines, 24 Jan 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


SPORTSCLOPEDIA 37: KENNY DEMECILLO LOSES IN JAPAN


PhilBoxing.com




Kenny “Big Heart” Demecillo failed to seize the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific super bantamweight title as he was defeated in an eighth-round technical knockout by Kazuki Nakajima on Thursday evening in Korakuen Hall in Japan.

* * *

The 30-year-old Demecillo of Sanman Boxing Team dipped to 16 wins, 6 losses, 10 knockouts, and 2 draws. The 26-year-old Nakajima improved his record to 14 wins with 12 knockouts, one loss, and one draw. Demecillo who was fighting for the first time in Japan was Nakajima's first Filipino opponent.

* * *

The fight was stopped by American referee Biney Martin at the 2:45 mark of the eighth round after Demecillo’s cornermen threw in the towel to stop the onslaught. Nakajima pinned Demecillo against the ropes and connected ferocious flurries to the head and body of the Filipino.

* * *

Referee Martin imposed a standing eight count on Demecillo who was npt throwing punches anymore. Demecillo threw some punches after the count but the more voluminous punches connected by Nakajima prompted his corner to throw in the towel to prevent further damage.

* * *

Nakajima was ahead in all three judges' scorecards as Edward Ligas, Katsuhiko Nakamura, and Surat Soikrachang all scored 68-65 in favor of the Japanese.

* * *

Demecillo was defeated but did put up a gallant fight. In the fifth round he landed fast hooks and straights that shook Nakajima as he was tacked against the ropes. The bell rang that saved the Japanese from being knocked down.

* * *

Nakajima reversed the outcome in the following rounds, pummeling Demecillo with stinging one-two combinations as the bout halted in the eighth.

* * *

Demecillo traveled to Japan twice to serve as a sparring partner for Inoue brothers Naoya and Takuma. But the fight with Nakajima was his first in Japan.

* * *

Following a two-year hiatus, Demecillo made his comeback last year and stopped both Eric Pulgo and experienced Macrea Gandionco.

* * *

Demecillo is a former WBO Oceania bantamweight champion and became a regional champion after an upset win over former amateur standout Daryl Basadre in 2015. He lost to Michael Dasmarinas by unanimous decision and drew with Edrin Dapudong.

* * *

Demecillo always shows high-impact brawling style and iron chin in every fight, that's why he is nicknamed “Big Heart.” Demecillo tipped the scales at 121.5 pounds, while Nakajima weighed-in at 121.7 pounds.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Andy Cruz vs Raymond Muratalla: Who Will Execute?
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Libranza to fight undefeated Tso for IBF Pan Pacific bantam
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Filipino Cue Artist RJ Bautista Ready to Shine at the Las Vegas Open 2026
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • MURATALLA VS. CRUZ WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER
    , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Channels
    , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Ballesteros not yet ready against Ocum
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Chocolatito Gonzalez to undergo shoulder surgery
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • NM Nika finishes Sixth in Czech Republic Blitz chess tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • The Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo RETURNS! Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
    , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Donaire back in Cebu
    By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • MURATALLA VS. CRUZ IN LAS VEGAS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
    , Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • Four Pinoys in line for title shots
    By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • After the meeting in Mexico City, the WBC is ready for 2026
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • Former world title challenger Jerry Belmontes Returns to ring at home after nearly a decade in Retirement on January 31 in Texas
    , Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT RONNY ALVAREZ TRAINING CAMP NOTES
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • STRICKLAND STUNS REYES AS SOUQUET SEALS REDEMPTION | WNT LEGENDS
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • Knicks defeats Nets 120-66 to post largest margin of victory in franchise history
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • Mauricio Sulaiman: "We simply urge Zuffa Boxing to respect and protect boxing and the boxer"
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • January 31: Xander Zayas-Abass Baraou Junior Middleweight Title Unification Showdown to Stream LIVE on Top Rank Classics FAST Channel in the United States
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • Mike Tyson to Launch “Mike Tyson Invitational,” a Three-Day Amateur Boxing Showcase Aimed at Elevating the Future of American Boxing
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • KAIPO GALLEGOS TRAINING CAMP NOTES
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • REYES AND BUSTAMANTE DELIVER HOME-SOIL MASTERCLASS | WNT LEGENDS
    , Wed, 21 Jan 2026
  • Reigning World 10-ball Champion Filipino cue master Jonas Magpantay to see action in Indonesia pool tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 21 Jan 2026
  • OLYMPIC BOXING 7: 1936 OLYMPICS AT BERLIN, GERMANY
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Wed, 21 Jan 2026
  • Usyk and Zuffa Boxing Negotiations Update
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 21 Jan 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.