Japanese trio take part in award ceremony
Earlier today at Korakuen Hall the fans were able to see the award ceremony for the East Japan Boxing Association award winners for March.
The award winners, who were announced back on April 8th, were OPBF Super Featherweight champion Hironori Mishiro (7-0-1, 2) [三代大訓], who was the MVP, Shuji Kato (10-1-2, 6) [加藤収二], the Fighting Spirit award winner, and OPBF and JBC Atomweight champion Eri Matsuda (3-0) [松田恵里], who was the "New Comer" award winner.
At today's ceremony the 3 fighters all spoke to the fans in attendance.
Mishiro revealed that it was a special award for him, and not something he expected, especially given he's only been a professional for around 2 years. He then added "I will continue to work hard and practice, and I will return to here as an MVP, defeating strong opponents".
Kato, who will get a second shot at Japanese Middleweight champion Kazuto Takesako (10-0-1, 10) [竹迫司登] on August 3rd following their draw in March, sounded determined to take the Japanese title later in the year, "I will do my best to win this time and to receive such an award again."
Interestingly Matsuda actually broke some news with her comments and revealed "the defense fight is scheduled for September", with the champion expected to defend her OPBF and JBC titles before moving onto a world title fight.
(Image courtesy of boxmob.jp)
The award winners, who were announced back on April 8th, were OPBF Super Featherweight champion Hironori Mishiro (7-0-1, 2) [三代大訓], who was the MVP, Shuji Kato (10-1-2, 6) [加藤収二], the Fighting Spirit award winner, and OPBF and JBC Atomweight champion Eri Matsuda (3-0) [松田恵里], who was the "New Comer" award winner.
At today's ceremony the 3 fighters all spoke to the fans in attendance.
Mishiro revealed that it was a special award for him, and not something he expected, especially given he's only been a professional for around 2 years. He then added "I will continue to work hard and practice, and I will return to here as an MVP, defeating strong opponents".
Kato, who will get a second shot at Japanese Middleweight champion Kazuto Takesako (10-0-1, 10) [竹迫司登] on August 3rd following their draw in March, sounded determined to take the Japanese title later in the year, "I will do my best to win this time and to receive such an award again."
Interestingly Matsuda actually broke some news with her comments and revealed "the defense fight is scheduled for September", with the champion expected to defend her OPBF and JBC titles before moving onto a world title fight.
(Image courtesy of boxmob.jp)