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Sidney Boquiren has the latest boxing news from Japan (more after the jump). For more Japanese boxing updates, you can follow Sidney on twitter: RingwalkNippon@Twitter
As was mentioned earlier, Toshiaki Nishioka no longer possesses the WBC super bantamweight title. The Japanese southpaw (39-4-3, 24KO), who last defended the crown against Rafael Marquez in October, was not stripped of his green belt; rather Nishioka has been elevated to "Champion Emeritus" by the Mexican organization. While one could debate and criticize the motives for the designation, the 35-year old held a press conference yesterday to discuss the honor with local boxing media.
Among the topics reviewed during the interview was Teiken’s on-going negotiations with Nonito Donaire’s representatives. As it looks like the Filipino will square off with Cristian Mijares in July, a bout with Nishioka could possibly happen in September. Nikkan Sports reports that Teiken chief Akihiko Honda says that the promoters of both sides have reached an agreement, while Daily Sports Online quotes Honda saying that both the US promoter and broadcasting station have given their "OK." Though a contract has not been finalized, Nishioka’s camp seems to be very optimistic in getting a deal done.
Regardless of whether or not the lefty lands a date with Donaire, according to Sponichi, Honda has revealed that Nishioka will retire after one more fight. Though the fighter himself refrained from declaring that he would hang up the gloves after one more appearance, the veteran is clearly looking to finish his 17-year career impressively. Nishioka and Teiken deserve kudos for venturing out of Japan to fight Marquez in Las Vegas last year, and another trip stateside to take on a top name would be an excellent way to make that a reality.
More Boxing News
I can’t say that I watch much women’s boxing, but local promoter Flash Akabane has scheduled the appearance of two Argentinean champions for exhibition bouts on their card Thursday. WBO and WBA light flyweight titleholder Yesica Yolanda Bopp will go rounds with WBC strapholder Naomi Togashi and atomweight Momo Koseki. WBC lightweight queen Erica Anabella Farias is set to trade blows with former world title challenger Fujin Raika.
For more coverage of Japanese boxing, follow Sidney on Twitter: RingwalkNippon@Twitter