Nagata takes victory over Aoqui to secure title fight
Earlier today Japanese fight fans at the Korakuen Hall got an absolute treat of a Japanese Light Welterweight title eliminator. The match up saw Japanese-Brazilian Cristiano Aoqui (14-9-2, 10) [アオキ クリスチャーノ] face off with the under-rated Daishi Nagata (15-2-1, 5) [永田大士] in what turned out be a fantastic battle.
On paper this looked good. Both men had exciting styles and knew how to fight. Both were expected to put on a show of aggressive yet technical action. And that's exactly what we got!
Early in the bout the more technically solid Nagata seemed to establish himself, boxing, moving and controlling the action. He was the one who was able to get in close and work as and when he wanted and forced Aoqui to take more than he gave. Aoqui wasn't out classed, but was clearly losing with Nagata taking more and more control of the bout through the first half.
By round 6 Aoqui looked to be in a big hole, and he knew it, as he began to up his tempo, and finally began to get a foot hold in the bout. It was however too little too late and despite making a fight of it late as he landed some huge shots, he was unable to stop Nagata, which he needed to do.
After 8 rounds the bout was scored 77-75, twice, and 79-73, all in favour of Nagata who will get a title fight next year at the Champion Carnival.
(Image courtesy of boxmob.jp)
On paper this looked good. Both men had exciting styles and knew how to fight. Both were expected to put on a show of aggressive yet technical action. And that's exactly what we got!
Early in the bout the more technically solid Nagata seemed to establish himself, boxing, moving and controlling the action. He was the one who was able to get in close and work as and when he wanted and forced Aoqui to take more than he gave. Aoqui wasn't out classed, but was clearly losing with Nagata taking more and more control of the bout through the first half.
By round 6 Aoqui looked to be in a big hole, and he knew it, as he began to up his tempo, and finally began to get a foot hold in the bout. It was however too little too late and despite making a fight of it late as he landed some huge shots, he was unable to stop Nagata, which he needed to do.
After 8 rounds the bout was scored 77-75, twice, and 79-73, all in favour of Nagata who will get a title fight next year at the Champion Carnival.
(Image courtesy of boxmob.jp)