Photos by Tom Hogan/Golden Boy Promotions
On Saturday, July 15, 2017, newly crowned WBC world Super Featherweight champion Miguel Berchelt (32-0, 28 KOs) made his first title defense against former world champion and mandatory challenger, Takashi Miura (31-4-2, 24 KOs) of Japan.
Berchelt out boxed the left handed Miura for 12 rounds to retain the title by unanimous decision in front a crowd of 5,846 on Saturday night at The Forum.
Miura went down on a left hook with 23 seconds left in the first round. Miura landed good shots after the knockdown before Berchelt would answer with solid power shots to close the round.
Miura began stalking and landed some good body shots in Round 3, however, Berchelt was the aggressor and landed a clean straight right hand.
Berchelt fought a very intelligent fight and was very disciplined. Berchelt knew exactly what he wanted to do in the ring and executed well.
Berchelt took some good Miura lefts, but landed better body shots after to take the seventh round.
In the ninth round, Berchelt continued to boxing well, picking his spots, landing shots and dominating. Both fighters landed some brutal body shots in the final 40 seconds of Round 9.
“He has the toughest left hand in the division,” said Berchelt. “He was hitting me and he was hurting me sometimes.”
Berchelt fought a very intelligent fight. He was very disciplined. Berchelt knew exactly what he wanted to do in the ring and executed well.
“I knew he was tough but in the long run, I knew I was going to win,” said Berchelt. “I prepared well.”
Miura, who was disappointed after the bout, acknowledged at that Berchelt did well in victory.
“Berchelt was a smart fighter,” said Miura. “He did not allow me to get my distance.”
