Yabuki Finishes #1 Alvarado, Keeps IBF 112 lb Belt

By Joe Koizumi
Photos By Sumio Yamada (To Come Soon)

IBF flyweight champion Masamichi Yabuki (19-4, 18 Kos), 112, impressively retained his belt as he finally caught up with IBF#1 Falix Alvarado (42-5, 35 Kos), 112, Nicaragua, dropped him once in round eleven and finally decked him twice more for the count at 1;59 of the twelfth and final round on Saturday in Tokoname, Japan. It was a furious give-and-take affair, but Yabuki displayed his punching power in effectively punishing him in the championship rounds.