News On Japan

Boxer Kosei Tanaka Completes Four-Division Sweep

TOKYO, Feb 25 (News On Japan) - Professional boxer Kosei Tanaka triumphed in a decisive victory on the night of the 24th in Tokyo, winning by unanimous decision against a Mexican opponent in the WBO Super Flyweight championship match, achieving a conquest across four weight classes.

Ranked number one in the WBO Super Flyweight division, Tanaka faced off against the world's number two and Mexico's Christian Araneta in the title match held at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. From the middle rounds onward, Tanaka found his rhythm with body shots in close combat and scored his first knockdown in the eighth round after damaging his opponent with a punch to the body followed by a flurry to the face. Maintaining control with precise punches, Tanaka fought through all 12 rounds to win by unanimous decision, achieving his fourth weight class title following victories in the minimumweight, light flyweight, and flyweight divisions. He is the third Japanese male boxer to reach this milestone, following Katsunari Takayama and Naoya Inoue.

Tanaka, 28, hails from Tajimi City in Gifu Prefecture. Six years ago, he tied the world record for the fastest to conquer three weight classes in just his 12th professional fight. Although he was defeated by then-champion Katsunari Takayama in a Super Flyweight world title match on New Year's Eve 2020, aiming for his fourth class title, Tanaka has since been on a comeback trail, facing and defeating ranked fighters worldwide.

After clinching the world title for the first time since December 2020 and securing the champion's belt, an elated Tanaka said, "I'm happy because this is what I wanted. It's been a tough time for 3 years and 2 months, and I think that's what made this possible. I'm happy to win, but I'm also pleased that there's a part of me that isn't satisfied yet." When asked about his goals to feel satisfied, he expressed his determination, "I definitely want to take revenge against Katsunari Takayama and unify all four organizations in the Super Flyweight division."

Source: NHK

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Scholars affiliated with the Science Council of Japan formed a symbolic human chain in front of the National Diet building on May 8th, calling for revisions to the government’s proposed reform bill targeting the council’s structure, as deliberations enter their final phase in the Diet.

Across Japan, road collapses have been occurring with increasing frequency, often blamed on aging infrastructure. In one recent incident in Ashioshi, Saitama Prefecture, a truck was swallowed by a gaping sinkhole.

Two men who were arrested for forcibly entering an elementary school in Tachikawa City, Tokyo, and assaulting staff members have been identified as friends of a student's mother. One of the suspects denies the charges, claiming he was only brushing people off after being restrained.

Cherry blossoms have begun to bloom in Wakkanai and Kushiro, marking the near completion of Japan's cherry blossom front for 2025.

As many in Japan returned to work or school on May 7th following the Golden Week holiday, a growing number are reporting post-holiday fatigue and sleep deprivation—conditions that experts warn may point to deeper sleep-related issues.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Sports NEWS

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, who is set to retire in June, gave an interview in Tokyo on May 8th, where he expressed a positive stance toward Japan’s potential bid to host future Olympic Games, saying such a move would be "highly welcomed" if the conditions are right.

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the national tournament, a high school softball game was held for the first time at Hanshin Koshien Stadium.

Horse races at the Banei Racecourse in Obihiro, Hokkaido, have been canceled for the third consecutive week due to a widespread outbreak of equine influenza among racehorses.

A group of German adventurers have launched an ambitious trek across Japan as part of what they call "Cybox Season 25," documenting their journey from the northernmost tip of the country in a vlog-style diary rich with cultural observations, physical endurance, and personal reflection.

The Japan Sumo Association announced the rankings for the Summer Tournament, which will open at Ryogoku Kokugikan on May 11th. Ozeki Oonosato, who secured his third championship during the Spring Tournament, will aim for his first promotion to yokozuna, starting from the top position on the East side.

Japanese pro golfer Saigo Mao has clinched her first major overseas tournament in the United States, sinking a birdie putt to beat four rivals in a one-hole playoff. (NHK)

Kazuki Tomono of Daiichi Juken Group performed his new short program for the upcoming season targeting the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics during the Prince Ice World show held in Yokohama on April 26th.

A public flower offering was held on April 23rd at Koshien Stadium in memory of former Hanshin Tigers manager Yoshida Yoshio, who passed away in February at the age of 91 following a stroke. Many fans gathered to pay their final respects.