| |
|
Takayama wins vacant IBO World minimum title
By Lito delos Reyes PhilBoxing.com Fri, 20 Dec 2024

GEN SANTOS CITY [Dec. 19] -- Katsunari Takayama of Japan is the new International Boxing Organization World minimumweight champion after he beat erstwhile unbeaten Kha Lu of Australia last night, December 18 at the Bula Gym in Gensan.
The 41-year-old Takayama showed the shorter Lu how boxing should be fought as he displayed constant motion in the whole 12-round bout.
Takayama, a former 4-time world champion, seemed not tired as he kept hitting Lu with punches left and right all the time.
It was only in the 9th round that Lu hurt Takayama with his punches.
Judges Nowel Haduca [118-110], Antonio Comia [119-109] and Rodney Marsh [120-108] scored all in favor of Takayama for a unanimous decision.
Takayama improved his record to 35 wins with 12 knockouts and nine loses, while the 24-year old Lu suffered his first setback after seven wins with three knockouts.
“Thanks to all of your encouragement and support, we were able to conquer five groups,” said Takayama.
Takayama has set a new record by becoming the only fighter in history to be crowned All-Body Champion at 105-pound - WBC [2005], WBA [2006], IBF [2013 & 2015], WBO [2014 & 2017] and IBO [2024].
Takayama was awarded by IBO supervisor Steve Scott the vacant golden belt in front of promoters Jim Claude “JC” Manangquil and Dexter Tan of Sanman Boxing.
It was the first IBO world title championship in boxing held in the Philippines.
"We did this in Gensan and two boxers, who are both foreigners,” said Manangquil.
Meanwhile, WBO Oriental bantamweight champion Reymart “Assasin” Gaballo of Polomolok scored a 3rd round knockout over James Pagalingof Misamis in the main supporting bout.
The other results:
Gabriel Santisima TKO’d Ponciano Remandiman in the 5th
Vince Paras TKO’d Anthony Gilbuela in 3rd round
Abubakar Yanon knockout Ernesto Camiguing in the 3rd round
Alex Santisima Jr. TKO’d Ryan Rey Ponteras in 3rd round
Dave Apolinario beat Jeny Boy Boca by a unanimous decision
CHAMP AGAIN. Katsuari Takayama is again a world champion with trainer Nobuhiro Ishida, a former WBA light middleweight champion.[photo by SANMAN]
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Lito delos Reyes.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Almacen Brothers Make Weight, Ready for Battle in Thailand By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 27 Feb 2026Four United States Women's Boxers Shine Bright on Day Four of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament , Fri, 27 Feb 2026Matthew James Sugatan wins Flash-ADV 160 9-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club; pockets P30,000 By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 27 Feb 2026Weights From ProBoxTV’s ‘Vazquez vs. Machuca’ at College Park Center in the University of Texas , Fri, 27 Feb 2026Ethan Matthew Gabriel tops Boscolympics 2026 Grade School chess meet , Fri, 27 Feb 2026Boxing Legend & Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas , Fri, 27 Feb 2026IM Christian Gian Karlo Tade - Arca outwits GM Pa Iniyan in Round 6 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026San Francisco Boxing Leaders Bring It Back: FIGHT NIGHT AT ROCCAPULCO , Thu, 26 Feb 2026Alyssa Mendoza, Salim Ellis-Bey and Kelvin Watts Secure Wins on Day Three of 2026 Strandja Boxing Tournament , Thu, 26 Feb 2026Herlan Gomez faces Dekang Wang for WBA Asia Superbamtam Title Today in Kunming, China By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026Queensberry Promotions to sue SELA and TKO? By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev promises prize money for boxers at LA 2028 if the IOC doesn’t change their policy towards athletes’ rewards , Thu, 26 Feb 2026Ruben Castillo, The uncrowned champion passes away By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Return of Ryan Garcia By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026“It’s moments a kid dreams off.” Sam Rennie returns for title challenge March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53 , Wed, 25 Feb 2026‘It’s going to be a great fight and most importantly looking forward to the 10 pints together after it’ Billy Quinncroft challenges for Cruiserweight title March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53 , Wed, 25 Feb 2026Magdalena Contreras Municipality and WBC start "Boxing for Peace" in Mexico By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026United States Captures Four More Wins on Day Two of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament , Wed, 25 Feb 2026Date set for Manny-Money 2 By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026Knockout Artist Sugar Martinez (17-0, 17 KOs) Makes His US Debut Against Philly Veteran Daiyan Butt , Wed, 25 Feb 2026IM Yap outwits GM Gareyev, shares lead; Maribao split the point with GM Quizon in Round 3 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 25 Feb 20262 Division World Champion José Luis Castillo Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas , Wed, 25 Feb 2026Doors open for Manny By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026MEXICAN TITANS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD HIGHLIGHTING CINCO DE MAYO WEEKEND IN LAS VEGAS! , Tue, 24 Feb 2026Alex Bray and Gabriela Tellez Capture WBA Titles, Dainier Pero Scores Impressive Stoppage at “Night of Champions XIV” in Orlando , Tue, 24 Feb 2026 |

|
|
|
|
|