Seigo Yuri Akui had to sweat out a split decision in his latest title fight.
The reigning WBA flyweight titleholder battered Thailand’s Thananchai Charunphak on two of the three cards to retain his title. A determined Charunphak came out ahead on the card from judge Guillermo Perez (115-113). He was rejected by judges Robert Hoyle (115-113) and Kwan Ho Jang (117-111), who awarded Akui the decision.
Akui retained his WBA flyweight title with the victory Sunday at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.
“It was not a satisfactory performance at all,” Akui admitted to ringside interpreter Mizuka Koike. “My opponent made it very difficult for me. I was happy that I won, but I can do better.”
Okayama’s Seigo Yuri Akui (21-2-1, 11 knockouts) jumped out to an early lead with sharp power punches. The defending champion was particularly effective at the top with his straight right hand.
However, the inability to put away his opponents made Akui a tougher than expected battle, especially in the second half.
Charunphak (25-2, 15 KOs) was still around and fought hard in the later rounds. Akui was often able to get the best of the exchanges, but Charunphak succeeded with body shots.
Akui composed his punches well in the 12th and final round to seal the victory. True to character, Charunphak raised his hands at the end of the fight, as if pulling off the upset in his first career title fight.
His reaction was not far-fetched, as he had done enough on one scorecard. The other two scores allowed Akui to prevail in his third consecutive title fight, all in 2024.
“It was a very good fight. My opponent was very tough. I heard my daughter’s voice in the crowd. It motivated me to continue forward.”
Akui dethroned undefeated, long-reigning WBA belt holder Artem Dalakian by unanimous decision on January 23rd in Osaka. The victory was followed by a similar points victory over compatriot Taku Kuwahara on May 4 at the famous Tokyo Dome.
His third fight of the year was the only one where he was not sure of victory for fight’s end. So much so that Akui didn’t even bother calling out any names for his next fight.
“My mind is telling me to just keep training,” Akui noted. “So I will go back to the gym and just keep training.”
Akui-Charunphak was one of four title fights on Saturday’s ESPN+ telecast.
