Anthony Olascuaga Edges Hiroto Kyoguchi to Retain WBO Belt

In a closely contested bout at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan Arena, Anthony Olascuaga successfully defended his WBO flyweight title against Hiroto Kyoguchi, winning unanimously. The judges scored the fight 117-111, 118-109, and 114-113 in favour of Olascuaga.

From the outset, both fighters demonstrated their intent. Olascuaga, sporting pink hair and gloves, landed a sharp left hook in the opening round, while Kyoguchi responded with effective body shots and a crisp right hand. The second round saw intense exchanges, with both men showcasing high-paced, inside fighting.

As the fight progressed, Kyoguchi's compact and composed approach allowed him to land meaningful punches, particularly to the body. Olascuaga attempted to utilize his reach advantage, but Kyoguchi's experience and tactical prowess often dictated the bout's tempo. In the ninth round, Kyoguchi pressed Olascuaga against the ropes, landing significant shots, though Olascuaga managed to counter effectively.

A pivotal moment occurred in the 11th round when the referee ruled Kyoguchi down after a short left from Olascuaga, resulting in a knockdown call. While replays suggested it might have been a slip, Kyoguchi did not dispute the decision. This knockdown influenced the scoring, particularly on the closest judge's card.

Olascuaga adopted a more aggressive stance in the final round, perhaps sensing the fight's closeness. He acknowledged Kyoguchi's resilience post-fight, stating, "I'm sorry I couldn't get a knockout; this is a very tough guy. Two-time world champion, and it shows."

With this victory, Olascuaga improved his record to 9-1 (6 KOs), while Kyoguchi's record moved to 19-3 (12 KOs). The bout highlighted both fighters' skills and determination, offering fans an engaging contest that will be remembered for its competitiveness and tactical exchanges.