Updates on Hozumi Hasegawa, Takahiro Ao, Katsunari Takayama & Tomoki Kameda

Hasegawa to return in November, Montiel rematch unlikely Handlers for Hozumi Hasegawa have all but eliminated the possibility of an immediate rematch with Fernando Montiel and have turned their attention to several possible opponents between 118 and 126-pounds. Shinsei Gym chairman and Hasegawa’s chief trainer Masahito Yama****a told reporters earlier today, "Negotiations (with Montiel’s representatives) have not been successful and it will be difficult to get a rematch (before the end of the year). There is no longer any reason to insist on staying at bantamweight." The former WBC titleholder had been targeting a return match with Montiel ever since he was stopped in the first bout in April. However, as that fight does not look like it will be made, and with Hasegawa’s struggles at the scale, moving to a higher weight class seems to be a logical choice. Though super bantamweight is a possibility, it is more likely that the southpaw moves to the 126-pound division, which is closer to his natural weight. Plans are already in the works for Hasegawa to make his comeback in November. The southpaw’s primary negotiator, Teiken’s Akihiko Honda, addressed the situation on Tuesday stating, "There is a possibility that (Hasegawa’s return) is a title fight." WBA champ Chris John had been mentioned as a candidate at the end of last year when Hasegawa was considering a departure from the bantamweight division, and his name has again been offered as a potential opponent for this fall. Elio Rojas, the WBC strapholder who won his crown in Tokyo against Takahiro Ao last summer, would likely be approached as well. While the Japanese media has been focusing on the possibility of the country’s premier boxer becoming a two-division champion, Jhonny Gonzalez of Boxingscene.com reported on the 31st that Hasegawa’s representatives had made an offer to WBA bantamweight beltholder Anselmo Moreno. Should the southpaw opt to stay at 118 in hopes to eventually meet Montiel next year, a fight with the Panamanian is likely Hasegawa’s best option. By the end of 2010, Hasegawa will turn 30 and if he plans to continue to campaign at bantamweight any longer, then a bout with Moreno would force him to keep his weight down as well as allow him to challenge for a JBC recognized title. A fight with the Panamanian is winnable, and though it would likely be more technical than a fan-pleasing brawl, Moreno would be less of a threat to do any additional damage to Hasegawa’s surgically repaired jaw. Successfully taking the strap could also improve his negotiating power if he re-visits a return match with Montiel. However, as Moreno’s camp is apparently balking at the figure that was offered, then a move north seems more likely at this point. With less than three months before the scheduled comeback, an opponent should be settled in the next few weeks. Ao to challenge for Tajbert’s super featherweight crown Hasegawa will share the stage when he makes his return to the ring, as Takahiro Ao (19-2-1, 9KO) will take on WBC 130lb titleholder Vitali Tajbert (20-1, 6KO) in the undercard. A showdown between the two had been discussed for the past few months, and Ao met with Tajbert in Wales during the WBC’s "Night of Champions" in July. The 26-year old commented that he has already started dissecting his opponent. He noted, "(Tajbert’s) short and is not a power-type fighter. All I am thinking about now is how to hurt him and pull out the win." Takayama stops Lefele, could face Joyi before year’s end Two-time minimumweight titleholder Katsunari Takayama (24-4, 10KO) positioned himself for a date with IBF strapholder Nkosinathi Joyi by halting Tshepo Lefele on the 1st. According to Mainichi.jp, the 27-year old capitalized on quick footwork and aggression, while Supersport.com reported that Takayama was able to hurt the South African early and sustained the attack going into the middle rounds. The fight was stopped in the sixth when Lefele turned his back to avoid the continued assault. Officially retired by JBC standards, Takayama decided last year to campaign abroad in hopes to win titles from organizations not recognized by the local commission. His representatives have already begun to negotiate with Joyi’s handlers, and a showdown could take place as soon as within the year. More boxing notes Days after a scoring flub was detected giving Tomoki Kameda another trinket to add to his collection, a rematch with Stephane Jamoye was announced. The duo will do it all over again in November. In their first fight last weekend, scores initially were tallied to a draw, allowing the Belgian to retain his title. However, a miscalculation was discovered when the cards were re-tallied, changing the outcome to a split decision for Kameda. http://www.theboxingbulletin.com/2010/9/3/1666888/japanese-scene-news-notes-updates