By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Boxing Beat Magazine, Joe Koizumi
Veteran campaigners of Japan and Australia furiously competed with the vacant OPBF super middleweight title at stake on Saturday in Sakai, Osaka, Japan. Japanese southpaw, ex-OPBF 160-pound champ Yuki Nonaka (38-12-3, 11 KOs), 167.5, seized the regional 168-pound belt by pounding out a close but unanimous decision (115-114, 115-113, 118-110) over former IBF world middle ruler Sam Soliman (49-19-1, 19 KOs), 166.5, over twelve hard-fought rounds.
It was a close affair with each seldom catching the opponent with precision. Nonaka, however, was a bit more aggressive, occasionally scoring with southpaw straight lefts to the tricky and unorthodox Aussie. Sam tasted his first setback here despite his previous victories in a couple of bouts in 2003.
Promoter: Mitsuki Promotions.
Is this the same Soliman who is probably in his early fifties?
Yes it is. I remember thinking he was old 15 years ago. Makes you wonder if it’s an inspiration or a tragedy that he’s still fighting. I guess if he’s passing the physicals, understands the risk, has the desire to fight, and is still competitive, more power to him.
Insane. Soliman fight Glen Kelly back in like 99 or 2000. Not too long after that, he fought Howard Eastman and Sakió Bika for the first time, all before 2002. Kelly was around when Jones was still at his peak. He might be the only known pro fighter still around from the last millennia.
Was actually talking about this not too long ago. Three others came up: Maravilla, who is most certainly retired; Firat Arslan, who said his most recent fight was his last (whatever that’s worth) and Chevelle Hallback, who fought not too long ago.
He is indeed 50 years
Old. Quite scary he is still fighting really
Jap fighter is 46
Money must be tight for suleiman fighting at almost 50!
Yes, or maybe he just can’t let it go. Mike Tyson once said “next to boxing, everything else is boring”. Boxing is such a brutal sport at any age, let alone for a 50 year old competing against guys half his age.
2024 and Sam Soliman is STILL at it. When you retire from your job, however long you have left to work, Sam Soliman will still be fighting in someway.
I think Mr. Soliman will be turned into a meme to represent longevity in any field.
Just wanted to chime in that Nonaka is 46. Neither will be competitive above the regional level but it’s cool to see these stories once in a while.
Thanks for the info, it helps put this fight into context. Koizumi should have played up the age angle.
– Per BoxRec, Sam Soliman had his first pro fight in 1997.
– 27 years ago, if my math is correct……
I’m not sure whether Soiliman should be fighting or not. Checked out his record and he has only been stopped 3 times in 70 fights! That’s impressive.