By Ronnie Nathanielsz

 

Pan Asia Boxing Association lightweight champion Dennis Laurente has scored a unanimous ten round decision over Japan’s Shinya Nagase at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.

 

The Filipino southpaw used a solid body attack to overcome Nagase who is ranked No. 5 by the OPBF in the super lightweight division. Two judges had Laurente a comfortable winner 98-94 but one judge had the Filipino ahead only by one point , 96-95.

 

Well known boxing writer, matchmaker and manager Joe Koizumi reported that it was “nearly a lopsided affair” as Nagase took only the second round while Laurente “swept almost all rounds” effectively battering the game Japanese. Koizumi saw Laurente the winner on his unofficial scorecard, 99-93.

 

Laurente regained the title with a split decision over Thailand’s Somchai Nakbalee on October 31, 2006 in Thailand and on March 3 this year scored a third round TKO  over Indonesia’s Hero Yauw Katili. With his latest win Laurente is expected to move up from his No. 14 WBA ranking.

 

Nagase who was coming off a sixth round KO last July 5 over Thai patsy Petcharoon Wor Surapol whose record, according to Box Rec was 6-17-2 losing 9 by KO.