Big Ticket Bantamweights Added to July Shooto
Leading professional Shooto promoter Sustain has confirmed two
bantamweight fights for its July 15 card, the fourth installment of
2007's BACK TO OUR ROOTS series, at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo,
Japan.
In a non-title affair, 123-pound world titlist "BJ" Shinichi Kojima (Pictures) will take on Yasuhiro Akagi, while highly regarded divisional contender Masatoshi Abe (Pictures) makes a quick return to the ring, squaring off with newly minted Class A competitor Yuki Shoujou (Pictures).
The second world bantamweight champion of professional Shooto, "BJ" last appeared in March making the first defense of his title against former foe and perennial contender Yasuhiro Urushitani (Pictures). After the bout ended in a split draw, with many onlookers believing that the champion was particularly fortunate to keep his title after an extremely lackluster performance, Kojima told Shooto promoters that he wanted to return to the ring quickly to atone for his performance against a formidable opponent.
That's exactly what the 28-year-old champion will receive in Yasuhiro Akagi. Kojima's sixth Shooto world ranked opponent in as many fights, Akagi is coming off of one of the most dominant performances in Shooto's recent history. In March, in front of his hometown Nagoya crowd, Akagi destroyed the typically sturdy Homare Kuboyama (Pictures), punctuating his potent performance with an armbar submission in the second round.
Masatoshi Abe (Pictures) will have his opportunity to cement his status as the top 123-pound title contender in Shooto against the aforementioned Shoujou. A perfect 3-0 since his return to pro Shooto in March 2006, Abe, not unlike "BJ," expressed his desire to promoters for a quick in-ring return after a highly disappointing performance last month. Although he was victorious, Abe had little chance to impress in his foul-filled affair against Brazilian Daniel Otero (Pictures), in which Abe sustained a trio of kicks to the groin, and an illegal upkick to the eye en route to a disqualification win.
Promoters are hoping for a more satisfying bout this time around, matching the aggressive Abe with the recently promoted Shoujou, who is also noted for his action-heavy fights. Shoujou earned his Class A Shooto promotion this past March after a highlight reel KO of former amateur Shooto champion Ayumu Shioda.
If "BJ" and Abe both emerge victorious in their respective bouts, it is most likely that Shooto officials will move to organize a 123-pound world title bout between the two later this year, or early in 2008. Interestingly, "BJ" and Abe are former teammates, having both represented the Abe Ani Combat Club until Kojima's transfer to Katsumura Dojo this past January.
In a non-title affair, 123-pound world titlist "BJ" Shinichi Kojima (Pictures) will take on Yasuhiro Akagi, while highly regarded divisional contender Masatoshi Abe (Pictures) makes a quick return to the ring, squaring off with newly minted Class A competitor Yuki Shoujou (Pictures).
The second world bantamweight champion of professional Shooto, "BJ" last appeared in March making the first defense of his title against former foe and perennial contender Yasuhiro Urushitani (Pictures). After the bout ended in a split draw, with many onlookers believing that the champion was particularly fortunate to keep his title after an extremely lackluster performance, Kojima told Shooto promoters that he wanted to return to the ring quickly to atone for his performance against a formidable opponent.
That's exactly what the 28-year-old champion will receive in Yasuhiro Akagi. Kojima's sixth Shooto world ranked opponent in as many fights, Akagi is coming off of one of the most dominant performances in Shooto's recent history. In March, in front of his hometown Nagoya crowd, Akagi destroyed the typically sturdy Homare Kuboyama (Pictures), punctuating his potent performance with an armbar submission in the second round.
Masatoshi Abe (Pictures) will have his opportunity to cement his status as the top 123-pound title contender in Shooto against the aforementioned Shoujou. A perfect 3-0 since his return to pro Shooto in March 2006, Abe, not unlike "BJ," expressed his desire to promoters for a quick in-ring return after a highly disappointing performance last month. Although he was victorious, Abe had little chance to impress in his foul-filled affair against Brazilian Daniel Otero (Pictures), in which Abe sustained a trio of kicks to the groin, and an illegal upkick to the eye en route to a disqualification win.
Promoters are hoping for a more satisfying bout this time around, matching the aggressive Abe with the recently promoted Shoujou, who is also noted for his action-heavy fights. Shoujou earned his Class A Shooto promotion this past March after a highlight reel KO of former amateur Shooto champion Ayumu Shioda.
If "BJ" and Abe both emerge victorious in their respective bouts, it is most likely that Shooto officials will move to organize a 123-pound world title bout between the two later this year, or early in 2008. Interestingly, "BJ" and Abe are former teammates, having both represented the Abe Ani Combat Club until Kojima's transfer to Katsumura Dojo this past January.
