OPBF Bantamweight champion Mark John “Journeyman” Yap (27-12,13KOs) is successful on his first title defense against Japanese Kentaro Masuda (27-8,15KOs) at Sumiyoshi Ward in Osaka Japan.
Osaka based Filipino Yap was down three times in the first round and it seems that Japanese boxer will finish him early but the determination of Yap helps him to came back and stop Masuda in fourth round. Yap and Masuda gave the fans short but entertaining fight that could be nominated as fight of the year candidate in Japan.
“Ganda ng laban, best fight of the year survival talaga ako” Said Yap to powcastsports via facebook interview.
Yap who dubbed himself as “Journeyman” is now eyeing world title shot next.
“Yun ang target WBC and IBF basta bigyan ng chance, Si (Shinsuke) Yamanaka and (Ryan) Burnet.
Yap acquired the OPBF bantamweight title with 5th round TKO win over former world rated Takahiro Yamamoto in November 2016. He is on eight fight winning streak including win over former WBA interim champion Juan Jose Landeata, former undefeated prospect Tatsuya Ikemizu,
4-times world title challenger Horoyuki Hisataka, former world rated Takahiro Yamamoto and his latest win against Japanese champion Kentaro Masuda.
Mark John Yap of Cagayan de Oro is training under Muto gym in Osaka, He is currently WBC # 7 and IBF #8 at Bantamweight division and expected to gain higher ranking next month.
Pow Salud Studio 