Riku Masuda W12 Daigo Higa… Riku Masuda captured the WBA regular bantamweight championship with a split decision over former flyweight champion Daigo Higa after twelve rounds at Kokugikan in Tokyo. Masuda won on two scores of 117-111 which overruled a 115-113 card in Higa's favor. From the opening round, Masuda (11-1) used his height and reach advantage to establish his jab and straight left hand from distance, while Higa pressed forward behind hooks to the body and head. As the fight progressed, Masuda's counterpunching and accuracy enabled him to offset Higa's pressure. Although the former champion continued to press the action at close range, Masuda consistently landed the cleaner punches to earn the decision. Higa falls to 21-4-3.