Yoshiki Takei was once again shown the hard way that life is tough near the top of the bantamweight division.
The unbeaten WBO bantamweight titleholder relied on a strong finish to see off a determined Daigo Higa. Scores were 115-112, 114-113 and 114-113 for Takei in their ESPN+ co-feature Tuesday from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
The all-Japanese battle between RING contenders was an entertaining appetizer for the Naoya Inoue-TJ Doheny main course.
Yokohoma’s Takei (10-0, 8 KOs), no. 4 on 118 by The Ring, the distance was extended for the second consecutive time. He barely survived the 12st round in his May 6 title win over Jason Moloney (27-3, 19 KOs).
A different look was presented this time. Takei offered a measured approach, perhaps too patient as Tokyo’s Higa, no. 10 out of 118, was able to take some of the closer rounds.
Action picked up in the second and third rounds. A former WBC flyweight titlist, Higa has shown both a solid chin and a willingness to trade. Takei got the sharper punches, while Higa got eye-catching—even if not as polished—shots.
A right uppercut capped off a picturesque combination by Takei. However, he left his chin in the air long enough to catch an overhand left hook.
Higa enjoyed a massive momentum shift in the second half of the fight. Takei had to rely on his ability to absorb as the former title roster continued to emerge. Higa charged forward and bullied Takei into the ropes in the eight round. He continued the attack as Takei struggled to regain control in addition to the swelling around his right eye.
Takei’s title reign was officially in jeopardy after a controversial eleventh round knockout call. He was buzzed by a right hand from Higa, who suffered a cut outside his left eye in the round. The next sequence saw Higa land a jab left hook to the back of the head. Takei dove and then fell as his left leg slipped on the center ring logo. It was considered an official forfeit, putting him behind on two of the three scorecards.
Takei opened the twelfth and final round with long power punches as Higa was pinned against the ropes. A combination snapped Higa’s head back in the first minute, but Takei made sure he didn’t empty the tank just yet. He showed stamina problems against Moloney and ensured that history did not repeat itself.
Higa (21-3-1, 19 KOs) somehow survived the onslaught and the round, although he was nearly dropped in the closing seconds.
The dramatic surge by Takei was the difference on the scorecards, as he would have otherwise lost a split decision. Instead, it’s a successful first defense, even if there’s a lot of work ahead to survive the loaded division.
Takei is one of four reigning bantamweight titleholders from Japan.
Junto Nakatani (28-0, 21 KOs) is the WBC titlist, The Ring’s no. 1-rated bantamweight and no. 9 pound-for-pound fighter. Ryosuki Nishida (9-0, 1 KO; No. 2 at 118) holds the IBF belt. Takuma Inoue (20-1, 5 KOS; No. 3 at 118), Naoya’s younger brother, is the WBA belt holder.
