Tsunami comes up short in world title tilt
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On Saturday night Japanese veteran Tenkai Tsunami (32-13-1, 19) [有馬真波] attempted to become a world champion once again, at the age of 40. Sadly for her however it wasn’t to be, as the battled hardened veteran came up short against unified IBF and WBO female Light Flyweight champion Evelyn Nazarena Bermudez (21-1-1, 7) in Argentina, with Bermudez taking a clear decision in her home of Santa Fe.
From the off Tsunami looked to counter the younger champion, who used an excellent jab and set a high tempo. The work rate of the champion saw her running up an early lead, being too busy for the challenger, who had moments but struggled to build on them early on.
In the later stages however Bermudez began to slow down, and when that happened Tsunami came on strong, showing her years of world level experience. The late surge saw Tsunami having success, but not enough to climb out of the deep hole she was in on the scorecards, losing with scores of 99-91, twice, and 96-94
Following the loss, Tsunami sent a message to the fans, thanking them for their support, saying I received so much support from Japan, but I wasn't able to win. I'm sorry! I lost, but it's all thanks to everyone's support that I was able to fight this far! Thank you very much! I wasn't able to regain the belt, but I was very happy to have been able to fight in a world match in Argentina. I have nothing but gratitude to everyone who supported me and was involved. Thank you so much."
Now aged 40, with 46 bouts to her name and a career spanning 20 years, it's hard to know what Tsunami has left to offer the sport. She showed she could still hang with the best, for moments, but not for a full 10 rounder. Age has taken something from her, and retirement is likely looming for one of the true stalwarts of Japanese boxing. If this is her final bout then we’d like to say well done to Tsunami, who has had a brilliant career. As for Bermudez, the talented Argentinian looks like a very talented fighter would likely love a chance to rematch Yokasta Valle, the only woman to have beaten her.
From the off Tsunami looked to counter the younger champion, who used an excellent jab and set a high tempo. The work rate of the champion saw her running up an early lead, being too busy for the challenger, who had moments but struggled to build on them early on.
In the later stages however Bermudez began to slow down, and when that happened Tsunami came on strong, showing her years of world level experience. The late surge saw Tsunami having success, but not enough to climb out of the deep hole she was in on the scorecards, losing with scores of 99-91, twice, and 96-94
Following the loss, Tsunami sent a message to the fans, thanking them for their support, saying I received so much support from Japan, but I wasn't able to win. I'm sorry! I lost, but it's all thanks to everyone's support that I was able to fight this far! Thank you very much! I wasn't able to regain the belt, but I was very happy to have been able to fight in a world match in Argentina. I have nothing but gratitude to everyone who supported me and was involved. Thank you so much."
Now aged 40, with 46 bouts to her name and a career spanning 20 years, it's hard to know what Tsunami has left to offer the sport. She showed she could still hang with the best, for moments, but not for a full 10 rounder. Age has taken something from her, and retirement is likely looming for one of the true stalwarts of Japanese boxing. If this is her final bout then we’d like to say well done to Tsunami, who has had a brilliant career. As for Bermudez, the talented Argentinian looks like a very talented fighter would likely love a chance to rematch Yokasta Valle, the only woman to have beaten her.