By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda
WBA flyweight champ Artem Dalakian (22-0, 15 KOs), from Ukraine, arrived in Japan to defend his belt against top contender Yuri Seigo Akui (18-2-1, 11 KOs) next Tuesday (January 23) in Osaka, Japan. Dalakian reportedly took eighteen hours to move to Warsaw, and then flew far away to Tokyo this Sunday.
The unbeaten titleholder, who had successfully kept it six times, engaged in a public workout at Teiken Gym on Monday, and showed he’s in good shape despite a long trip from Ukraine. Once postponed from November 15, Dalakian, 36, said, “I could study Akui’s style two months more. I’m confident to defend my belt to dedicate my victory to my mother Marina who will celebrate her birthday on the fight day.” Continue reading “WBA 112lb champ Dalakian, Akui both look sharp”