Surprised I haven't seen much on here. He's only 23 years old. Doesn't look like a super elite fighter, but definitely impressive nonetheless. I don't think he can pull it off at Super Flyweight, too many good champions in that weight class, unless he can catch someone like Rungvisai when he's shot/Tanaka is prime.
He beat Sho Kimura, the guy who was brought in to lose but still stopped Shiming Zou, and then went on to succeed. Basically, Japan's version of a Joe Smith? perhaps.
His victories for the belts:
Julian Yedras vacant WBO
Moises Fuentes vacant WBO
Sho Kimura WBO
As soon as he fights outside of Japan against a good fighter, he'll lose. Angel Acosta gave him a good fight in Japan, it was close. Acosta beats him if they fight in the US.
Vic Saludar was outboxing him for several rounds in a row and knocked him down until he got stopped.
Tanaka is a tough kid. I think he would beat Acosta more comfortably if they re-matched now. He has more room for improvement, that's for sure, though.
As soon as he fights outside of Japan against a good fighter, he'll lose. Angel Acosta gave him a good fight in Japan, it was close. Acosta beats him if they fight in the US.
pretty great achievements, especially for a 23 year old. Also cant see him winning against the top guys at 115, but he has room and time for improvement.
Him Vs Rosales would be a great fight.
7y ago
Kosei Tanaka ties Lomachenko's 3 weight class titles in 12 fights. | BoxingScene Community