Ishii and Isa make weight for OPBF title fight
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Tomorrow we’ll see OPBF Minimumweight champion Takeshi Ishii (9-1, 7) [石井武志] make his first defense, as he battles against former Japanese title challenger Shunsuke Isa (13-6-2, 2) [伊佐春輔] at Korakuen Hall. Today, ahead of their bout, the two men took part in their weigh-in for the contest, with both making the 105lb limit.
On the scales the hard hitting champion was bang on the limit. He looked notably shorter than the challenger and when asked for his opinion on Isa, he explained "He's an unconventional type of fighter with good foot and head movement, and I think he's fast." He then went on to explain "I've been focusing on improving my jabs and head movement. If I can improve in those areas, my natural physical strength will come in handy." He also noted that despite being the OPBF champion he’s seen as being the lowest of the 3 Japanese title holders, with WBO Asia Pacific champion Yuni Takada and Japanese national champion Ryusei Matsumoto being seen as better, though he explained "I know that I am the lowest in the public eye (compared to those two), but if I fight, I can beat those two." Notable the confident Ishii seemed to revel in the fact he’s the main event here, and has been training hard to impress, explaining "I've worked hard on my technique, so if I can show that, (my opponent) will naturally fall."
Originally Isa came in just over the limit, before making a visit to the toilet and making weight at a second attempt. He explained "I drank water while traveling, so I gained weight. I'm glad I didn't have to take off my pants to weigh in". Regarding the fight Isa explained "If I use what I've practiced, he's not an opponent I can't beat. I'll fight with my speed and technique." Isa, who has gone through a variety of hair colours during his career, dyed his hair red, and explained "Because the OPBF belt is red and it's the color of passion". He then added "I get more fired up when the odds are against me. I wasn't able to win the last title match, so I'll fight without any regrets. This is a chance that doesn't come around often. I'll grab it. I'll surprise them,"
On the scales the hard hitting champion was bang on the limit. He looked notably shorter than the challenger and when asked for his opinion on Isa, he explained "He's an unconventional type of fighter with good foot and head movement, and I think he's fast." He then went on to explain "I've been focusing on improving my jabs and head movement. If I can improve in those areas, my natural physical strength will come in handy." He also noted that despite being the OPBF champion he’s seen as being the lowest of the 3 Japanese title holders, with WBO Asia Pacific champion Yuni Takada and Japanese national champion Ryusei Matsumoto being seen as better, though he explained "I know that I am the lowest in the public eye (compared to those two), but if I fight, I can beat those two." Notable the confident Ishii seemed to revel in the fact he’s the main event here, and has been training hard to impress, explaining "I've worked hard on my technique, so if I can show that, (my opponent) will naturally fall."
Originally Isa came in just over the limit, before making a visit to the toilet and making weight at a second attempt. He explained "I drank water while traveling, so I gained weight. I'm glad I didn't have to take off my pants to weigh in". Regarding the fight Isa explained "If I use what I've practiced, he's not an opponent I can't beat. I'll fight with my speed and technique." Isa, who has gone through a variety of hair colours during his career, dyed his hair red, and explained "Because the OPBF belt is red and it's the color of passion". He then added "I get more fired up when the odds are against me. I wasn't able to win the last title match, so I'll fight without any regrets. This is a chance that doesn't come around often. I'll grab it. I'll surprise them,"