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kenyan_cheena · 08-04-2006, 06:07 AM

UNHERALDED LIGHTWEIGHT
STEALS THE SHOW IN OSAKA

Friday 10 May 2002

A 19 year-old Lightweight who has never boxed competitively in his life has upstaged a pair of Olympians and several other highly-regarded locals during this week's International Boxing League Japanese selection trials at the Osaka Dome.

IBL Chief Director Raymond Bell confirmed today that Tokyo-born Yamada Tsubasa impressed his team of scouts moreso than any of the other individuals who trialed this week, including Sydney Olympians Jaguar Kakizawa (also a Lightweight) and Featherweight Mitsonuri Seki. Standing 5'9", sporting a cleanly-shaven pate and a ripped, wiry physique, Tsubasa displayed the type of skill that the IBL's scouts could have only hoped to find here in Japan. Despite the country's overwhelming enthusiasm for the sport and based on its level of success in the amateur ranks, the league was realistic about the level of talent they would find here.

But Tsubasa has exceeded those expectations and then some, leading Bell to proclaim that the young man could very well become one of the IBL's first World Champions.

"He's just a fantastic fighter," said Bell. "Ring smarts, outstanding speed, an excellent defense and considerable power. If he really dedicates himself to it, there's no reason why he can't make it all the way to the tournament final."

Tsubasa would have surely been aware of all the hype surrounding his performances at these trials, but he has taken it all in his stride. He possesses a relaxed, laid-back personality out of the ring and between his bouts was seen either conversing with other trialists or sitting in a corner with a pair of earplugs in his ears, listening to the chilled instrumental hip hop of his musical hero, Japan's own DJ Krush.

(to be continued)

08-04-2006, 06:07 AM	#63 (permalink)
kenyan_cheena Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia Posts: 4,178	UNHERALDED LIGHTWEIGHT STEALS THE SHOW IN OSAKA Friday 10 May 2002 A 19 year-old Lightweight who has never boxed competitively in his life has upstaged a pair of Olympians and several other highly-regarded locals during this week's International Boxing League Japanese selection trials at the Osaka Dome. IBL Chief Director Raymond Bell confirmed today that Tokyo-born Yamada Tsubasa impressed his team of scouts moreso than any of the other individuals who trialed this week, including Sydney Olympians Jaguar Kakizawa (also a Lightweight) and Featherweight Mitsonuri Seki. Standing 5'9", sporting a cleanly-shaven pate and a ripped, wiry physique, Tsubasa displayed the type of skill that the IBL's scouts could have only hoped to find here in Japan. Despite the country's overwhelming enthusiasm for the sport and based on its level of success in the amateur ranks, the league was realistic about the level of talent they would find here. But Tsubasa has exceeded those expectations and then some, leading Bell to proclaim that the young man could very well become one of the IBL's first World Champions. "He's just a fantastic fighter," said Bell. "Ring smarts, outstanding speed, an excellent defense and considerable power. If he really dedicates himself to it, there's no reason why he can't make it all the way to the tournament final." Tsubasa would have surely been aware of all the hype surrounding his performances at these trials, but he has taken it all in his stride. He possesses a relaxed, laid-back personality out of the ring and between his bouts was seen either conversing with other trialists or sitting in a corner with a pair of earplugs in his ears, listening to the chilled instrumental hip hop of his musical hero, Japan's own DJ Krush. (to be continued) __________________ The Heavyweight Boxing Federation The Heavyweight Boxing Federation: Tournament Group Standings The International Boxing League MLB: 1958 and Beyond... Last edited by kenyan_cheena : 08-15-2006 at 07:29 PM.