10/11/2024
Boxing fans are in for a treat this weekend with major events taking place across the globe. While the highly anticipated clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight title in Saudi Arabia and the two-night Japanese Wrestlemania style event over in Tokyo, Japan being put on by Ohashi is getting much of the spotlight, other exciting matchups are set to unfold.
The weekend’s hidden gems are taking place in Japan, headlined by notable bouts like John Riel Casimero vs. Saul Sanchez and Sivenathi Nontshinga vs. Masamichi Yabuki. With competitive under-the-radar fights, Brunch Boxing has you covered so you don’t miss the action.
Where To Watch: 📺BrunchBoxing.com (Live Round by Round Coverage)
Yokohama, Japan
John Riel Casimero (33-4-1, 22 KOs) vs. Saul Sanchez (21-3, 12 KOs)
What’s At Stake: No title at stake
Analysis: John Riel Casimero is a former three-division world champion known for his power and unpredictable style. At 35 years old, Casimero has fought at the highest levels, capturing world titles at flyweight, junior bantamweight, and bantamweight. He has won four of his last five fights, two by knockout, and enters this bout after a technical draw against Yukinori Oguni in October 2023. Though Casimero’s last few fights haven’t showcased his peak form, his experience and knockout power make him a dangerous threat.
Saul Sanchez, at 27 years old, is a promising bantamweight prospect. Sanchez has shown a mix of power and resilience, stopping three of his last five opponents. However, in his most recent fight in January 2024, he fell short against Jason Moloney in a competitive bout for the WBO bantamweight title. Despite the loss, Sanchez remains a gritty fighter who has the tools to test Casimero.
Casimero’s path to victory lies in his power. Sanchez has never been knocked out, but Casimero’s relentless pressure and fight-changing power could be the key to wearing down the younger Sanchez. If he can find his rhythm and land heavy shots, a stoppage could be in the cards.
Sanchez needs to stay active and keep the fight at a distance. He must rely on his stamina, work rate, and counter-punching ability to outbox Casimero. His best chance is to drag Casimero into the later rounds, where he can exploit the veteran’s potential fatigue and pile up points.
Gambling Odds
Casimero: -150 ML
Sanchez: +130 ML
Final Thoughts: This is a crossroads fight for Casimero, who needs to prove he can still compete at an elite level. Sanchez, coming off a title fight loss, is hungry to bounce back. However, Casimero’s experience and power edge give him a slight advantage.
Prediction: Casimero KO/TKO
Hiroto Kyoguchi (18-2, 12 KOs) vs. Vince Paras (21-2-1, 15 KOs)
What’s At Stake: No title at stake
Analysis: Hiroto Kyoguchi is a former WBA and The Ring light flyweight champion, known for his speed and relentless style. Kyoguchi, however, suffered a unanimous decision loss to Paras in May 2024, which tied their rivalry at 1-1 after winning their first meeting. Kyoguchi is looking to regain his footing and prove that he still belongs among the division’s elite.
Vince Paras, a heavy-handed puncher from the Philippines, is coming off his career-best win against Kyoguchi in May. Paras thrives in close-quarters exchanges, and his knockout power makes him dangerous at any moment. He’ll be aiming to win the trilogy and establish himself as a serious contender in the division.
Gambling Odds
Kyoguchi: -250 ML
Paras: +200 ML
Final Thoughts: With both fighters having one win each, this trilogy bout is highly competitive. Paras’ power gives him a live chance to pull off another upset, but Kyoguchi’s technical ability and determination to avenge his recent loss make him the slight favorite.
Prediction: Paras KO/TKO
Where To Watch: 📺Matchroom Boxing YouTube, BrunchBoxing.com (Live Round by Round Coverage)
Programming Note: Telecast for the bout begins at 5:30AM EST
Tokoname, Aichi, Japan
Sivenathi Nontshinga (13-1, 10 KOs) vs. Masamichi Yabuki (16-4, 15 KOs)
What’s At Stake: Nontshinga’s IBF Junior Flyweight Championship
Analysis: Sivenathi Nontshinga is a rising star from South Africa who won the IBF junior flyweight title in a thrilling fight against Hector Flores in 2022. Nontshinga’s career has been defined by his willingness to travel for big fights, with multiple overseas victories to his name. At 25 years old, he has 10 knockouts in his 13 wins, showing that he can end a fight at any moment. Nontshinga is known for his tenacity, but he has also experienced setbacks, including a knockout loss to Adrian Curiel. He reclaimed his title in dramatic fashion earlier this year with a knockout win over Curiel.
Masamichi Yabuki is a former WBC champion and one of Japan’s most dangerous punchers. Yabuki has 15 knockouts in his 16 victories, showcasing his ability to finish fights. Though he’s experienced four losses, Yabuki’s power and aggression make him a constant threat. Fighting in front of a home crowd in Japan could give him the extra motivation needed to dethrone Nontshinga.
Nontshinga must stay disciplined, using his jab and movement to avoid Yabuki’s big shots. He has the skills to outbox Yabuki, but he must also be wary of engaging in unnecessary exchanges where Yabuki could catch him.
Yabuki’s path to victory is clear—he needs to land one of his devastating power shots. He should look to close the distance and impose his will early on, testing Nontshinga’s chin and trying to finish the fight before it reaches the later rounds.
Gambling Odds
Nontshinga: -176 ML, ML 3-Way, +145 KO/TKO, +320 Decision.
Yabuki: +130 ML, ML 3-Way, +220 KO/TKO, +700 Decision.
Fight To Go The Distance: Yes at +160, No at -210.
Final Thoughts: Nontshinga’s ability to adapt and fight smart gives him an edge, but Yabuki’s power makes this a dangerous fight for the South African champion. If Nontshinga can avoid Yabuki’s big shots, he should be able to outbox him for a decision win.
Prediction: Nontshinga Decision
Other Notable Bouts:
Curmel Moton (5-0, 4 KOs) vs. Hilario Martinez Moreno (4-4, 4 KOs)
Dylan Price (18-0, 12 KOs) vs. Jose Saant (15-6-1, 5 KOs)
Gabe Flores Jr. (24-2, 8 KOs) vs. Dennis Contreras (24-14-1, 22 KOS)
Firat Arslan (55-9-3, 40 KOs) vs. Angel Gabriel Ledesma (13-5-1, 7 KOs)
Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela (29-3-1, 17 KOs) vs. Jesus Lopez Perez (16-14-3, 4 KOs)
Rogelio “Porky” Medina (41-10, 35 KOs) vs. Hector Coronado (13-7, 11 KOs)
Dominique Francis (15-0, 9 KOs) vs. Julio Carrera (18-0-1, 14 KOs)
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