Seventeen Year Old Japanese Wonderboy

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Japanese teenage sensation Ayumu “Flaco” Hanada, still only seventeen, took home the vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) Asia Pacific Flyweight title on Sunday, June 9, with a unanimous decision over fellow countryman Ryo Hashiya (20) in Osaka.

Described by WBF President Howard Goldberg, who was at ringside for the fight, as an unbelievable talent with power and fast hands, combined with good technique and movement, Hanada won by scores of 98-93, 99-93 and 97-94.

But, fighting for the first time in his native country as a professional after four bouts in Mexico, it was not exactly an easy nights work for Hanada, as Hashiya never gave up. Every time Hanada looked on the brink of scoring a stoppage, Hashiya, came back strong.

In rounds nine and ten Hashiya even had Hanada in some trouble, as the younger man tired from the fast pace and the fact that this was his first time past four rounds. But Hanada weathered the storm, and proved his mettle.

In winning his first professional title, Hanada improves to 5-0 (3). Thailand-based Hashiya, who also boxed in Japan for the first time in the paid ranks, falls to 4-2 (3).