TENSHIN NASUKAWA picked up the first title of his boxing career via a lopsided 10-round unanimous decision over Gerwin Asilo.
The 24-year-old from Japan had it almost all his own way as he went the 10-round distance for the first time in his career in a fight punctuated by a knockdown in the ninth.
Judges Surat Soikrachang and Kazutoshi Yoshida both had it 98-91 while Edward Ligas scored him a 97-92 winner, meaning Nasukawa moves to 5-0 (2), picking up the WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight title in the process.
It is four years since the southpaw cried after he was swept aside by Floyd Mayweather Jr inside a round of their exhibition bout in Japan.
Nasukawa has now swapped kickboxing for professional boxing and has made an impressive start to his career, racking up four wins in his first 15 months. And he made that five here against the previously undefeated Asilo, who arrived in Japan 9-0 (4).
Asilo did consistently land with his straight right hand from his orthodox stance but he was simply unable to sustain any form of pressure to knock Nasukawa out of his rhythm at the Ariake Arena.
There seemed to be little respect for Asilo’s power from Nasukawa, who was happy to stand in the pocket to get his shots off.
And it was a left hand to the body which forced the only knockdown of the fight inside a minute of the ninth, although on closer inspection it looked to be more of a slip from Asilo.
He was up in time and complaining to the referee as Nasukawa decided it was time to start turning the screw, although the home favourite was unable to find a stoppage.
A nasty cut opened up above the left eye of Nasukawa in the 10th and final round as the heads came together during a clinch on the ropes but it did not stop him from landing with more combinations before the bell.
“I successfully got this championship belt around my waist and thanks to my opponent for fighting me tonight,” Nasukawa said afterwards.
“But what about my face? I got injured for the first time in my career. I am a bit concerned because I’m known for a cute face.
“I really wanted to knock out my opponent but I couldn’t do that. But this was a decisive win and I showed you guys I can box for 10 round so it was ok.”
