…follows his father’s footsteps
By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda
Unbeaten prospect Keisuke Matsumoto (8-0, 7 KOs), 126, very impressively gained the vacant Japanese featherweight belt by scoring a nearly shutout decision (99-91 twice, 98-92) over IBF#8 Ryo Sagawa (12-3, 7 KOs), 126, over ten Tom-and-Jerry rounds on Tuesday in Tokyo, Japan. Keisuke followed his father ex-national 126-pound ruler Koji’s footstep by winning the same belt. Koji (26-6-1, 15 KOs), his trainer, unfortunately, failed to win the world belt three times, losing to Young-Kyun Park in 1992, Yong-Soo Choi in 1997 and Freddie Norwood in 1998.
The shaven-skulled son, 23, controlled the fight with his superior speed and skills from the outset, making best use of his faster footwork. He made a beautiful display of hit-and-run tactics all night, though Keisuke, having finished all seven victims by knockouts, was expected to try to swarm over Sagawa and dispatch the 29-year-old ex-champ early. Instead, Matsumoto fully utilized faster jabs, counters and footwork to hit without getting hit. In Japan, it is called “oya-koko” (filial piety) that one fulfills his dad’s unsuccessful dream coming true. Keisuke may pursue oya-koko.
Promoter: Misako Promotions.
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Congrats to Matsumoto. Time is going by too fast as I clearly feel like Matsumoto, Norwood, Park and Yong-Soo fought just a few years ago. SMH.
Good win and tactic of not trying to slug it out with the champ, although a regional one. Now, for his first defense, he should definitely knock his opponent out in order to make a statement and jump up a few rankings. Maybe against Iwasa or Ichida, but no one ranked higher yet, because there’s a Monster waiting at the top.
” his trainer, pitifully failed to win the world belt three times”
Its not pitiful falling short of winning a world title. Its only pitifull if you quit or dont do you best.
Working his way up to a title shot 3x is a successful professional fighter.
Plenty of very good fighters fell short of winning a title.
Author obviously dont know much about Boxing or even competitive sports.
I definitely agree. I think that the writer just made an error in the use of this word. He’s not a native speaker of English, and I believe he meant to say “he sadly” did not win. I don’t believe he meant any disrespect.
Or perhaps Matsumoto beat up one of their heroes years ago and the feelings are still hurt.
Awesome to see this! Congratulations to the Matsumoto family! Like father, like son! Great fighter. I’m looking forward to watching him grow as a fighter and get a world title.