Takashi Uchiyama (24-0-1 19KO) vs Takashi Miura (28-2-2 21KO) for the Lineal, RING/TBRB, WBA/WBC World Super Featherweight championship
http://www.boxnews.com.ua/photos/2949/debfaebd70520754c6bd0f654a02a8a6-getty-507947890.jpg
http://mexico.cnn.com/media/2013/08/18/pelea-box-thompson.jpg
Who would you pick?
Factors to take into consideration:
Uchiyama has already beaten Miura, RTD8 (4 years ago)
Miura clocked Uchiyama pretty hard in that fight
Miura has seemingly improved since
Uchiyama is nearly 36, at the tail end of his career
Both KO artists, both susceptible to each others power
Uchiyama has been relatively inactive, but proved today he's fresh as ever
While Uchiyama eyes fighting abroad, such as in Las Vegas, one of his potential big-match opponents is a fellow Japanese, Takashi Miura, who defended his WBC super featherweight title at the same venue last Friday.
In fact, Miura was in the house on Wednesday to do television commentary. Miura, a southpaw, challenged for Uchiyama's belt in January of 2011, but lost via eighth-round TKO.
"That was an amazing KO" Miura, nicknamed 'Bomber Left' told Uchiyama from the TV booth. "I want to work harder to prepare for the time we'll face again."
To which Uchiyama gently replied: "I think that we'll probably fight again. I want to retool myself and challenge you."
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2015/05/06/more-sports/boxing-2/uchiyama-defends-title-patented-ko/#.VUpdoFwxJ_U
I was shocked to look at TBRB's SFW rankings and seeing that Uchiyama has beaten the #2 and 3 rated SFWs. It feels like he's largely hidden in Japan during his reign.
Japan doesn't have great history when travelling. Off the top of my head, Ao getting stopped in 2 last week. Donaire outclassing Nishioka. Ramos stopping Shimoda.
Guess you missed it when Nishioka laid out Jhonny Gonzalez in Mexico
I was shocked to look at TBRB's SFW rankings and seeing that Uchiyama has beaten the #2 and 3 rated SFWs. It feels like he's largely hidden in Japan during his reign.
Japan doesn't have great history when travelling. Off the top of my head, Ao getting stopped in 2 last week. Donaire outclassing Nishioka. Ramos stopping Shimoda.
Tomoki Kameda made a career fighting away from Japan, they even call him 'El Mexicanito' but its just a random example like the ones above
Japanese fighters usually fight in smaller divisions, and the money is usually in Asia (or South America). In this case, at 130 theres really no big name fighters which would entice Uchiyama to travel (Garcia was one, but he had no reason to fight Uchiyama at all). Like a lot of American fighters don't go abroad, because the US is where the money (usually) is at for them. Uchiyama makes quite a bit fighting in Japan, especially for New Years
Check my quote above though, he wants to travel for a big fight.
Uchiyama is such a bad ass. I'd probably take him over Miura, but Miura has improved since then and he is younger.
My friend (from Japan) is a big fan of Uchiyama, but still picks Miura
Whether thats a rational choice i'm not so sure but its an intriguing matchup. I wasn't convinced until Miura completely wiped out Dib with one punch and looked in great shape, despite the opponent.
Uchiyamas been one of my favs for a while now and I always wanted for him to have a big payday against a recognisable name. He has some solid fighters on his resume and there was a time when Mikey was being mentioned but I think that's not going to happen now.
Not to mention the injuries and the inactivity, fun fighter who sadly will not be remembered for anything more than that.
You're probably right, he won't be remembered as he should be
Being the outright champion at 130 (if he beats Miura again) and retiring undefeated and as a genuine champion is still a feat in itself though
Uchiyamas been one of my favs for a while now and I always wanted for him to have a big payday against a recognisable name. He has some solid fighters on his resume and there was a time when Mikey was being mentioned but I think that's not going to happen now.
Not to mention the injuries and the inactivity, fun fighter who sadly will not be remembered for anything more than that.
Not really sure how to embed but heres a link to the fight https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3goXMttUcw8
Wow, that was spectacular. The precision and power in his punches is incredible. I love watching him and kovalev for that reason. Very devestating.
I'd still take uchiyama despite the age. Id expect another really good fight but he's just better than everyone at that weight. Shame he can't make 126, so many killer fights there. How did he look today? Got a video of the ko?
Not really sure how to embed but heres a link to the fight https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3goXMttUcw8
I'd still take uchiyama despite the age. Id expect another really good fight but he's just better than everyone at that weight. Shame he can't make 126, so many killer fights there. How did he look today? Got a video of the ko?