.png)
Kosei Tanaka added another illustrious title to his collection by claiming the WBO super flyweight championship. The 28-year-old Japanese boxer showcased his mastery in the ring against Mexican challenger Christian Bacasegua, ultimately securing a unanimous decision victory with scorecards reading 116-111, 117-110, and 119-108.
The highly anticipated bout saw Bacasegua, 26, making a strong start, displaying tactical acumen and aggression. However, Tanaka's class and experience gradually took control of the match, leading to a pivotal moment in the eighth round. Tanaka unleashed a barrage of blows that sent Bacasegua to the canvas, setting the tone for the remainder of the fight.
As the match progressed, Tanaka's precision and power became increasingly evident. Bacasegua bravely continued to fight back, but Tanaka's superior strategy and technique proved too much to overcome. Despite Bacasegua's resilience, Tanaka's dominance was undeniable, solidifying his victory in the eyes of the judges and the fans.
With this triumph, Tanaka's professional record now stands at an impressive 20-1, with 11 knockouts. Reflecting on his victory, Tanaka expressed his joy at achieving his goal of winning the WBO super flyweight title, stating, "This belt was everything I wanted tonight." He also expressed his desire for a rematch with Kazuto Ioka, who defeated him in 2022, as well as a future bout with IBF champion Fernando Martinez.