Tenshin Nasukawa TKO9 Juan Francisco Estrada... Japan's Tenshin Nasukawa (8-1) defeated legendary former two-division champion Juan Francisco “Gallo” Estrada by technical knockout in the ninth round, in a WBC bantamweight elimination bout held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan. From the opening bell, Nasukawa imposed his will thanks to his remarkable speed and surgical precision, which hampered the Sonoran's strategy. Although "Gallo" showed glimpses of his characteristic technique and courage in the fourth round, the Japanese fighter's pace ultimately wore down the veteran's physical condition.

 

Nasukawa controlled the distance and timing of the fight, always staying one step ahead of the Mexican's combinations. In the sixth round, a powerful blow to the soft areas visibly weakened Estrada, marking the beginning of the end for the former two-division champion.

 

After enduring constant punishment and showing obvious signs of exhaustion, the fight was stopped in the ninth round. Estrada's corner, prioritizing the boxer's well-being, decided he would not come out for the tenth round, resulting in a technical knockout.

 

With this result, Nasukawa, under the tutelage of Teiken Promotions, consolidates himself as the official challenger for the WBC bantamweight title, reaffirming that his transition from kickboxing to professional boxing is a dominant reality. Nasukawa already fell short in his first bid at the WBC title, losing to Takuma Inoue last November.

 

Meanwhile, Estrada, one of the best lightweights of the last decade, falls short of his dream of conquering a third category.