By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Five-time female champion Naoko Fujioka announced last week in Tokyo, Japan, to relinquish her newly-acquired WBO 108-pound belt because of weight problems. Naoko seized the vacant WBO junior fly belt by decisively defeating Yokasta Valle of Costa Rica by a unanimous nod over ten hard-fought rounds on December 1.

Fujioka had a rematch clause with Valle’s manager/promoter Mario Vega, but people concerned amicably settled this matter since Naoko had a difficulty making the 108-pound limit again. Valle will fight in quest of the vacant WBO belt in her home turf Costa Rica. Though eventually losing, Valle displayed a gallant performance to win the praise of the audience here. Fujioka will keep her WBA 112-pound belt to make a defense next spring.