Post fight - Kyoguchi vs. Hisada
(Photo credit should read TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images)
This past Tuesday in Japan fans who follow the Asian scene got a treat as the often over-looked Light Flyweight division delivered the latest in a steady stream of thrillers.
The bout in question saw Ring Magazine and WBA "super" champion Hiroto Kyoguchi (14-0, 9) make the second defense of his titles as he out pointed tough countryman Tetsuya Hisada (34-10-2, 20) in an excellent 12 round round war.
The bout was expected to be a dominant display for Kyoguchi, who is enjoying success in his second weight following a short reign as the IBF Minimumweight champion, but it turned into a genuine test for the talented youngster. Instead of destroying the 34 year old challenger, as expected, Kyoguchi was himself hurt, and ended the bout wearing the scars of battle.
In round 2 the champion was rocked badly, and in round 12, with his left eye swollen almost completely shut, he got on the run, literally running away from Hisada at one point. It was Hisada's first 12 round bout and yet he looked like the one more used to going the championship rounds. Sure Hisada was dropped in round 9 but he bounced back and gave Kyoguchi real fits in rounds 10 and 11 before his huge final round effort.
Following the bout there was serious questions for both. What was Kyoguchi's next step? What was Hisada going to do?
Kyoguchi explained what his plan for the short term was whilst still in the ring with with house microphone. He stated that that was him for 2019, and that he was going to rest out the remainder of the year. That's no big surprise, given there is only 12 weeks of the year left and that he'd have to take a few of those away from any form of sparring just to let his badly swollen left eye heal. Even on Wednesday morning, at a press conference following the fight, his face was still a swollen mess.
At the press conference, which typically take place in Japan the morning after a fight rather than later the same night as seen in the US, Kyoguchi sported shades to cover the bruising around his eye. He spoke about how he was surprised by how many fans were there supporting Hisada, who has a notable following in Osaka, and how strong Hisada was. Sadly, though it was again made clear that he wouldn't be fighting before 2020.
The chairman of the Watanabe gym, Hitoshi Watanabe, stated that the hope for Kyoguchi was a 2020 unification bout with WBC champion Kenshiro (16-0, 9). So fingers crossed we do get that much anticipated all-Japanese unification bout in the new year.
As for Hisada's future, it originally looked nailed on that the veteran was heading into retirement following his 46th professional bout. He was quoted in one Japanese paper as being "90%" sure he would retire. Notable however he took to instagram the day after the fight and stated he was undecided on his future.
From my stand point the bout told us a lot about both men.
Hisada, even at the age of 34, can still go and in fact he looked better yesterday than he has ever looked. Whether that was a case of rising to the occasion or the fact he has matured like a fine wine is unclear, but it was a great performance by someone who has never been a notable name. Despite not being a big star it was clear he was popular and the crowd were clearly behind him, as were MBS who aired the fight live on youtube.
Sadly the fact Hisada seemed to be the draw with fans was a major worry. Kyoguchi is known, he's a 2-weight world champion, he's part of the major Watanabe stable and his fights have been televised in Japan. Yet the viewing numbers for the stream and the lack of fan support in the venue seem to suggest that he's not really a fighter that draws. A real shame as he's a fun to watch and aggressive guy with a great personality. I really wonder what he can do to connect with fans as he has a lot to like, and hardcore fans from the west certainly seem to have taken to him. Hopefully future fighters will see more attention given to the youngster and more promotional backing behind him as well.