By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

For ex-WBC bantamweight champion Shinsuke Yamanaka (27-1-2, 19 KOs) it is a grudge fight with his conqueror Luis Nery (25-0, 19 KOs), Mexico, here in Tokyo on March 1. The 35-year-old Japanese southpaw showed his public workout at Teiken Gym, where he looked so sharp and highly motivated to regain his belt. He engaged in sparring sessions with a Filipino partner and looked well-conditioned for his revancha (rematch) with the Mexican southpaw. Yamanaka said, “I’ve prepared well and wish to regain my belt from Nery.” Time will tell.