By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda
Now the face of boxing in Japan is of course “Monster” Naoya Inoue, but in the next era it might be Yuta Sakai who represents boxing in this country. Still young at 21 though having already compiled an excellent amateur mark of 50-2, 7 stoppages, the tall southpaw Yuta boasts of seven championships to his credit, including the gold medal in the AIBA world amateur championship in the bantam category in Alicante, Spain, 2022.
Fast-punching Yuta Sakai (9-0, 8 KOs), 119, decked an important victory over WBC#6 Petch Sor Chitpattana (AKA Tasana Salapat; 81-3, 54 KOs), 118.5, by finishing him at 2:00 of the fourth round in a scheduled all-southpaw eight on Thursday in Tokyo. Sweeping the first three rounds thanks to his quick hands and feet, Sakai kept accurately whipping the more experienced Thai veteran who had lost just twice to Takuma Inoue and Junto Nakatani, well-known by his iron chin. But it was Yuta’s well-timed one-two combo that badly dropped him with a thud. While the ref was counting, his corner tossed in the towel to save his man from further punishment.
Sharp, speedy and stylish, Sakai has been already many fans’ favorite, and his future may be bright with Ohashi Promotions’ supports. You may remember his name Yuta Sakai.
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