Masanori Rikiishi crowned WBC Silver super-featherweight champion

Persistent Rikiishi crowned WBC Silver champion

On Friday, March 22 at the Palazzetto Romboli in Colleferro, Italy, Japanese Masanori Rikiishi (15-1, 10KO) won the World Boxing Council Silver super featherweight title by TKO in the final round over brave Italian Michael Magnesi (23-2, 13KO).

The first two thirds of the fight were dominated by Michael, with excellent upper trunk movement and powerful blows that reached his Japanese rival.

In the 10th round, a key turning point, as both exchanged blows in the center of the ring, with Magnesi showing signs of fatigue, and Masanori warily took advantage of the weariness.

From there, the Japanese southpaw dominated, but he did not launch into a meaningless full pelt pursuit. Rather, he attacked with economy of precision, constantly peppering away, without wasting blows.

In the 12th and final round, Magnesi was knocked down hard via a combination of punches, and although he courageously managed to get back to his feet, it was a matter of time, because the Japanese fighter continued punishing him relentlessly, which forced referee Hector Afu to rightfully stop the fight with less than 30 seconds remaining.

The Italian "Lone Wolf" was ahead on all three judges scorecards - 106-103 x2, 107-102.