By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda
Hard-punching Californian Anthony Olascuaga (7-1, 5 KOs), 111.5, impressively acquired the vacant WBO flyweight belt as he exploded a vicious left uppercut to Japanese southpaw Riku Kano (17-4-1, 9 KOs), 117.5, and finished him for the count at 2:50 of the third round in a scheduled twelve on Saturday in Tokyo, Japan. Olascuaga, from the outset, took the advantage and scored with effective long left hooks to the onrushing Japanese. Kano came forward with southpaw combinations in round three, but Olascuaga retaliated with a lethal shot to drop him so badly that he couldn’t beat the count of referee Jose Rivera of Puerto Rico.
Promoter: Teiken Promotions.
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Olascuaga got called in as a late replacement to fight Kenshiro last year for Bomba falling out. Fifteen months later and he’s world champion. Good for him! Kenshiro just vacated and moved up to 112 as well so, it’s definitely possible that Olascuaga could get another shot at him with a full camp this time.
If they fight again, I believe Olascuaga will return the favor to Kenshiro in fewer rounds.