Compiled By Scott Shaffer

The nation of Japan is on quite a roll in the sport of boxing.  Today in Tokyo, Hozumi Hasegawa wrested the WBC 118-pound title from Veeraphol Sahaprom, aka Veeraphol Nakornluang, one of the longest-reigning champions in the sport.  Hozumi, who entered the bout rated #19 by Boxingtalk, won by scores of 115-113 (twice) and 116-112. Veeraphol was rated #2 by Boxingtalk and held the WBC title since 1998.  He hadn't lost since 1996. The ex-champ's record is still stellar at 47-2-2, while the new champ is 18-2. source: Associated Press

Yutaka Niida, Boxingtalk's #1 strawweight, defeated Jae-won Kim on the same card. Niida retained the WBA title by scores of 119-111, 118-110 and 117-112. He is 18-1-3 with the only loss by split decision in a world title challenge following a two-year layoff. Kim, Boxingtalk #15, drops to 19-2-2. It was just his second bout outside of Korea. In addition to the two Japanese world title wins on Saturday, Katsunari Takayama captured the WBC title in Niida's weight class two weeks ago against Mexican Isaac Bustos. source: Associated Press