Farewell, Takefumi Sakata

[rochemback]

Just read today that he is hanging up his gloves.
Not the best technician, not he biggest puncher either, but definitely made the most of his possibilities, even was World Champion at Flyweight (WBA) at one point when he beat Lorenzo Parra on his third attempt, defended the title a few times, then lost it to Thai flyweight legend Denkaosan Kaovichit by a vicious second round KO (right hook to the temple).
His last fight was the clear decision loss to younger and faster Daiki Kameda last September.

Thanks for the fights, all the best for your future life, Ganbare Takefumi!

[Shadows]

I heard about this earlier today.

I thought he was doing well in his last fight with Daiki, pretty even IMO, just seemed to run out of gas down the stretch.

[rochemback]

I heard about this earlier today.

I thought he was doing well in his last fight with Daiki, pretty even IMO, just seemed to run out of gas down the stretch.

Yes, I remember it was pretty even in the first 8 rounds or so, with Sakata doing much work as usual, but Daiki was the more clever boxer and Sakata faded in the last 3-4 rounds, which is unusual for him and showed why it might be time to hang up the gloves.