By Ronnie Nathanielsz
WBC featherweight champion Injin Chi of South Korea has been considered unlucky to lose his title to Japanese veteran Takashi Koshimoto in Fukuoka, Sunday.
A one point deduction for an accidental head-butt in the eleventh round cost Injin Chi a draw on the scorecard of judge Burt Clements which would have enabled the Korean who is managed by respected businessman-sportsman Kusung Lee to retain his title.
Injin Chi trained at the famed ALA Gym in Cebu City, Philippines in preparation for his delayed title defense caused by an injury last year and appeared to have won handily on the scorecard of Mexican judge Omar Mintum 116-111. But Clements had Koshimoto the winner 114-113 and Thailand’s Noparat Sricharoen scored it 115-112 also for the 35 year old Japanese southpaw.
Well known journalist and boxing manager/matchmaker Joe Koizumi reported that Koshimoto made good use of his vaunted footwork to frustrate Injin Chi and withstood the Korean’s "last surge to be awarded a hairline split verdict."
Chi made a desperate attempt to win by a knockout in the last round but Koshimoto was able to hang on to gain the decision which saw the first world champion from the island of Kyushu that resulted in some fight fans weeping for joy.
