FORMER two-time world champion Katsunari Takayama?s Philippine debut has to be reset after he got injured while jogging. Although he is disappointed, Takayama is gearing up for future big fights.
?We really wanted the fight so much,? Japanese manager Ken Matsumoto said in behalf of his 27-year-old ward.
Takayama has moved on and will postpone his Philippine debut because he is focusing on the bigger picture?a fight against International Boxing Federation (IBF) mini- flyweight title eliminator against South African Tshepo Lafele on Aug. 27 in South Africa.
Matsumoto said Takayama, the first foreign fighter to be signed by ALA Promotions, will be based in Cebu and will train for his fights at the ALA Gym.
?He will go home to Japan next Tuesday and relax there. He will come back by mid-June. Of course he will train here because it?s now our home ground,? said Matsumoto.
The winner of the IBF eliminator will become the mandatory challenger of undefeated South African Nkosinathi Joyi, who currently holds the IBF mini-flyweight belt.
After a successful career in Japan, wherein he won the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Association (WBA) mini-flyweight titles, Takayama decided to explore new horizons by fighting outside his country.
?He wants to win titles in other organizations,? said Matsumoto.
Usually Japanese fighters only fight in their country, and are limited in fighting for a title in only two organizations, the WBC and WBA.
