One of the greatest kickboxers in modern history finally has a fond boxing memory.
Tenshin Nasukawa enjoyed a successful pro debut of countryman Yuki Yonaha. Scores were 59-55, 60-53 and 60-53 for Nasukawa in their ESPN+ aired junior featherweight bout Saturday at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.
Nasukawa produced the bout's lone knockdown in round two, though under dubious circumstances. The 24-year-old southpaw from Tokyo repeatedly landed with his straight left hand. However, it was a blow to the base of the skull which caused Yonaha to fall to the canvas. Yonaha was turning as Nasukawa's punch was already in motion, thus ruled a knockdown rather than a foul though it's entirely clear that the referee missed the infraction altogether.
