Narai Survives Knockdowns, Barely Keeps Japan’s 130lb Belt

By Joe Koizumi

Photos by Naoki Fukuda

In a really give-and-take affair Tsubasa Narai (18-2, 12 KOs; amateur 17-8(6)), 129.75, came off the canvas twice, dropped back challenger Ryusuke Sunagawa (5-1-1, 4 KOs; amateur 23-9(8)), 129.5, in the same eighth, and pounded out a unanimous nod (96-94 twice, 97-93) to retain his national 130-pound belt over ten see-saw rounds on Tuesday in Tokyo, Japan. Narai showed his superior skills in sweeping the first half, but the hard-hitting challenger finally caught up with the champ, decking him twice on the verge of a knockout victory. Narai, however, floored him back to make it a Tony Zale-Rocky Graciano extravaganza. It was the gallant champ that dominated the last two sessions to barely keep his belt. The eighth must be a good candidate for Round of the Year.

Promoter: Ohashi Promotions.

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