Today, boxing world title fights take place around the globe and are more accessible to watch than ever before. Sometimes, championship bouts do not receive as much attention and go underreported. Big Fight Weekend commits to writing about boxing news, previews and recaps. As such, the site now has a recurring segment on championship bouts from around the world from the past week.
The focus of these pieces will be on clashes ranging from atomweight to heavyweight that had the WBA, WBC, IBF, and/or WBO titles on the line. This week’s edition of “Title Fights From Around the World” consists of just one recap from December 27.
Masamichi Yabuki scores dramatic knockout against Felix Alvarado
Masamichi Yabuki (19-4, 18 KOs) was victorious after knocking out Felix Alvarado (42-5, 35 KOs) in the twelfth round.
The official time of stoppage was 1:59. Yabuki retained his IBF flyweight world title with the win. This was his first defence after winning it against Ángel Ayala earlier this year.
Yabuki-Alvarado headlined a Kameda Promotions card at the Aichi Sky Expo in Tokoname, Japan. Fight fans in the country could catch the action live as a pay-per-view (PPV) with Abema.
Both men got to work immediately with neither interested in going through a feeling out process. Although Alvarado was able to find a home for his straight right hands, it was Yabuki’s counterpunching and sharper combinations were winning him the early rounds. The reigning champion consistently went to the body. Alvarado, who normally is the one pressing forward, eventually found himself on the back foot.
Knockdowns and finish
The first of two knockdowns took place in round 11. A left hook upstairs had Alvarado staggering backwards and onto the canvas. Despite making it to his feet, he would not last much longer. A left hook to the body followed by an overhand right to the head sent Alvarado down a second time. The referee put an end to proceedings after reaching the count of 10 and deeming the Nicaraguan to be in no position to continue.
