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By Cliff Rold - Another of the smaller divisions where quality is not tested often enough by clash at the very top, 118 lbs. trucked along for another year with some solid pros and no unification amongst myriad beltholders. There were stories despite the flaws. Excellent European based titlist Wladimir Sidorenko suffered his first career loss to Anselmo Moreno and Moreno moved on to a pair of successful defenses. Aging WBO titlist Gerry Penalosa sat out much of the year, seemingly looking for the best spot to cash out a distinguished career. IBF titlist Joseph Agbeko returned from a long layoff to leave fans wondering why they aren’t seeing him more often but it was the division’s best fighter and titlist who shined brightest in 2008. [details]
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Hozumi Hasegawa vs Cristian Mijares is a very risky fight for both men. Both are exceptional talents and the loser might never get a shot again, especially Hasegawa. I like Mijares beating Moreno first and then unification. As for the winner....it's tough. Both seem to struggle with southpaws and they are both southpaws. Mijares sticking that jab would be very good and then throwing combinations off, but Hasegawa's left hand is like a laser. I like this fight, but at the same time I hate it because they are both my favorite fighters after Hopkins.
In the meantime, Hozumi Hasegawa vs very dangerous Vuis Maligna would be a good fight. Maligna is a top 10 ranked contender who KOd Veeraphol Saphrom in just 4 rounds. It showed Saphrom's career was over, but he hits hard, it would be a good fight.
I'd also like to see Haseagawa vs Mabuza, but I don't think that's going to happen. -
Good choice for fighter of the year. Hasegawa is underrated and had two very good defenses in outpointing a tough Euro champion and KOing a read-hot Valdez . Have only seen him on video but he looks the real deal and would love to see him branch out of Japan so more people could see him live. Would also be nice if other Japanese champions took his example of being willing to fight some pretty good competition from outside of Asia. Mabuza would be a great fight but unfortunately he's only ranked #11 by the WBC.Comment
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