Who wants boxing? 2015

Who wants boxing?

The 7 World title boxing fights will be held at the year-end in Japan.

You may imagine Japan's year-end and new year as full of old  tradition. However, we now have the new tradition that is a series of boxing fights to celebrate the years to come and go.

Now, I will let you know who gets on the rings and where they are held.

1st, the WBO World super fly weight title fight on the 29th of December at Ariake Colosseum, Tokyo. On Fuji TV Network 7pm --

Naoya Inoue (champion ) vs Warito  Parrenas (challenger)

The Japanese champion Inoue (8 fights 8 wins 7 KOs undefeated) has been winning two world titles (WBC light fly weight and WBO super fly weight) and holds the World record of the quickest man to unite two divisions.Also, Inoue is nicknamed "Monster", born in 1993.

The Filipino chalenger Parrenas has the fighting record that is 31 fights   24 wins 6 losses 1 draw  21 KOs, has solid dlows.(WBO Worldranked 1st)

Even though the Filipino challenger has an ordinary fighting record,  Inoue should be careful of the Filipino's big punchs and experience.

2nd,  the IBF World light fly weight title fight on the 29th of December at Ariake Colosseum, Tokyo. On Fuji TV Network 7PM --

Javier Mendoza (champion) vs Akira Yaegashi (challenger)

The Mexican Champion Mendoza has the fighting record that is 27 fights 24 wins 2 losses 1 draw 19 KOs. The Mexican has obstinate fighting style as nicknamed " Cobra".  Born in Tijuana, Mexico.

The Japanese challenger Akira Yaegashi (27 fights 25 wins 5 losses 12 KOs ) is loved by the Japanese fans with his humble character

and dedication on the sport, nicknamed "king of fierce fight". Yaegashi lost it last year-end against Pedro Guevara (Mexico). This year-end, he will get on the ring for uniting 2 divisions again.

Mendoza is good in the early rounds, may beat the challenger with his insisting fight unless the challenger overwhelms the Mexican by his quickness.

3rd, the WBA SUPER World super feather weight title fight on 31st of December at Ohta Ward Gymnasium, Tokyo. On TV Tokyo Network 9:30 PM--

Takashi Uchiyama (champion) vs Oliver Flores (challenger)

The Japanese champion Uchiyama (24 fights 23 wins 1 draw 19  KOs undefeated ) Uchiyama Won the WBA title in 2010, has been defending it for almost 6 years 10 consecutive fights(the longest-National record) nicknamed "KO dynamite" Uchiyama will get on the ring for V 11.

The Nicaraguan challenger Flores (30 fights 27 wins 1 loss 2 draws 17 KOs) nicknamed "Tornado". Flores is WBA ranked 7th.

Uchiyama should be feeling comfortable to have the Nicaraguan on the ring. The Question would be which round will Uchiyama knock Flores out?

4th, the WBA World light fly weight title fight on 31st of December at Ohta Ward Gymnasium, Tokyo. On TV Tokyo network 9:30PM --

Ryoichi Taguchi (champion) vs Luis De La Rosa (challenger)

The Japanese champion Taguchi (25 fights 22 wins 2 losses 1 draw 9 KOs) gets on the year-end ring 3 consecutive years.

The Colombian challenger De La Rosa (30 fights 24 wins 5 losses 1 draw 14 KOs) is WBA World ranked 7th

5th,. WBA World fly weight title fight 31st of December at Edion Arena (Osaka Pref Gymnasium), Osaka. On TBS network 6PM--.

Kazuto Ioka (champion) vs Juan Carlos Reveco (challenger)

The Japanese three time World champion Ioka (19 fights 18 wins 1 loss 10 KOs)is from the famed boxing family of Osaka, his father owens the boxing gym that he is with, his uncle is a former two time World boxing champion. Ioka is  Osaka's favorite son.

The Argentinean challenger Reveco

Reveco is WBA World ranked 7th, nicknamed "Cotton".

Ioka has a sophisticated boxing style, if he fights as the way his style is,

he will knock the Argentinian out as soon as 6th.

6th, IBF World minimum weight title fight, 31st of December at Edion Arena (Osaka pref Gymnasium), Osaka. On TBS network PM--.

Katsunari  Takayama (champion)vs Jose Argumedo (challenger)

The Japanese champion Takayama (38 fights 29 wins 7 losses 1 invalid fight)is only man who united the major 4 World titles (WBC WBA WBO IBF)in Japan. Takayama is the man of high dedication had the toughest fights in the Philippines, Mexico and South Africa.

Takayama even once retired in the nation to fight overseas to

win two World titles (IBF WBO)which were unauthorized in Japan back then. Now, he is a high school student in Nagoya, Japan. nicknamed "Fist of journey".

The Mexican challenger Argumedo (19 fights 15 wins 3 losses 1 draw 9 KOs) is IBF World ranked 8th.

It is difficult to script Takayama to loose the fight.

7th, the WBO World minimum weight title fight, 31st of December at Aichi Pref Gymnasium, Nagoya, Japan, On CBC TV PM --.

7th, the WBO World minimum weight title fight, 31st of December at Aichi Pref Gymnasium, Nagoya, Japan, On CBC TV PM --.

Kohsei Tanaka (champion) vs Vic Saludar (challenger)

The Japanese champion Tanaka(5 fights 5 wins 2KOs undefeated )is called "the fastest man", was born in 1995, is still a university student.

The Filipino challenger Saludar is WBO World ranked 4th.

Obviously, Tanaka is still young, if Tanaka's youth conjunctions with his speed, he will beat the challenger in style.

If you evrer be in Japanat at the year-end, just enjoy our new tradition that is whatching boxing fights on TV with a couple of beers(drinking is always a nice option across the nation) 

Mission; search for the golden bowl of Wakayama ramen noodles; bowl 6  Masayoshi 正善 ☆☆☆.5 out of 5 (researched 26th Oct 2015)

journey continues.

The other day, I had a bowl of chuka-soba (Wakayama ramen noodles) at Masayoshi 正善 to find the best bowl of Wakayama ramen noodles.This is what was there.

First of all, Masayoshi has a good reputaion on their authentic chuka-soba(Wakayama ramen noodles). I actually knew this place that whould be good before I Came to Wakayama and wanted to try their famed chuka-soba.

Soup, I was struck by it's balance of good body and refreshing after taste. I guess that the traditional poke bone and soy sauce soup would be as goob as it gets.

Noodles, the thinly shaped -straight noodles were cooked well to be served in excelent poke bone and soy sauce soup. I loved the fine combo of thin noodles and poke bone and soy sauce soup.

Cost
Chuka-soba 中華ソバ　(Wakayama ramen) ￥650

large chuka-soba 中華ソバ大 ￥750

They top your bowl of noodles with raw egg and extra roasted pork (チャーシュー) "charshu" on your request. Additional cost ￥50ｰ￥100

Ph 073-461-1739
Address 640-8481 Wakayama City Naokawa 612-1

Open
11am- 10pm

Close
Thursdays, every third Wednesday

ACCESS
15min from Wakayama Station by car
5min from the Hanwa Mortor Way Wakayama Kita Exit by car

Carparks are locaeted

The Japanese-styled toilet is available on your left hand side at the entrance. As you see the photo, there are no gaps and bumps to go into the toilet.

Overall
As I say, Masayoshi is not accessiblly locaeted, you'd need to get a taxi to get the place from Wakayama Station

.
Farther more, there are a couple of gaps which you have to over come at the entrance if you admit by wheelchair. I actually got in there by wheelchair, I could go over the bumps at the door to enter.

Conclusion
Masayoshi may not be accessble from Wakayama Station, it is definitely worth tring that genuine chuka-soba that has surprizingly refreshing after taste. Masayoshi could be rewarded a 5 with better location and the Western-typed toilet.

The search for the ultimate Wakayama ramen noodles; bowl 6

Mission Journey for the golden bowl of Wakayama ramen noodles; bowl 6 Green Corner Izumiya restaurant　グリーンコーナーイズミヤ店 ✩✩✩.5

 out of 5 (researched 30th Jun 2015)

jouney continues.

The other day, I had a bowl of chuka-soba (Wakayama ramen noodles) at Green Corner Izumiya restaurant to search for the best bowl of Wakayama ramen noodles.This is what was there.

First of all, Green Corner is run by The Gyokurinen who is as known for their invention of green tea soft serve icecream in 1958.

Now, the famed green tea soft serve is sold at every Green Corner, and is very much loved by the people in Wakayama City.

Also, they sell product called Green Ice that is green tea ice creem in a cup at konbini (convince store) in Wakayama City area.

However, I tried a bowl of Wakayama ramen noodles (chuka-soba).

Soup, I wasn't honestly sure what the soup was from. But that was good with clear taste as well as its good body. Actually, the soup could get better with adding a bit of soy sauce and pork bone stock flavor.

Noodles, the thinly shaped -straight noodles were perfectly cooked. Their boiling process could get 10.

Cost

Chuka-soba 中華ソバ　(Wakayama ramen) ￥411

Green soft グリーンソフト (green tea flavored soft serve icecreem ) ￥180

Actually, they have a few more varieties of food on the menu with competitive price. Just, let yourself go.

Overall

Green Corner Izumiya restaurant is a small eatery at the foodcourt in Izumiya shoppingcentre Wakayama City.Therefore, You can have whatever you whant to go in your wheelchair such as car parks with roof, accessible slopes. elevators and priority toilets for the people with special needs.

Also,  they deliver what you order to your table at the foodcourt. Just, ask them as saying "hakonde kudasai" (運んで下さい。)

Conclusion

Don' t under estimate an eatery at a foodcourt. I know one really good Indian eatery at a foodcourt in Melborne, Australia. Their samosa is still some of the best food I've ever had. That had chunks of curry flavored-mushed potato and minced lamb inside, was big and juicy.

However, the bowl of chuka-soba that I had that day wasn't cooked traditionally because the soup didn't have the pork bone and soy sauce flavor.  

Green Corner maybe worth trying for its famous Green Soft(green tea flavored soft serve icecreem) after having  a bowl of hot Wakayama ramen noodles (chuka-soba).

The search for the ultimate bowl of Wakayama ramen noodles; bowl 5

The search for the ultimate bowl of Wakayama ramen noodles; bowl 5 Aji chuka soba 味 中華ソバ (researched  4th Jun 2015)　✩✩ out of 5

The othet day, I researched Aji chuka soba (味 中華ソバ) to see what's served at The restaurant.  

I found it what they served me wasn't quiet my taste.

noobles

The thinly straight-shaped noodles are cooked to be served

They cook you noodles as you like. You are allowed to ask them to cook how much your noodles be boiled  as "soft"(yawarakaku 柔らかく) "standard "(hutsuu 普通) "hard"(kataku かたく)

In fact, I had standard noodles ,liked their way to cook those traditionally thin-shaped noodles.

 Just, let them know how you want to the waitress when you order.

Soup

The pork bone and soysauce bloth was filled the bowl.

As it looks, it's less brown than those Wakayama ramen noodles wich are influenced by famed Ide shoten 井出商店. (Please refer to Marutaya chukasoba　丸田屋　中華そば researched Oct 2014 Tanpopo ramen タンポポ　ラーメン researched 11  Apr 2015))  

However, it had less soy sauce flavor than what I expected.

On the othet hand, I found the soup was a litlle too fatty.

Overall

The restaurant is centrally located in the heart of Wakayama City's premiere shopping area "burakuri-cho" (ぶらくり丁)), has the western-typed toilet. Since the restaurant is small, wheelchair is not recommend.

Open 7days 11am-5am. Smoking is permitted.

Phone 073 423 2648

15-20 min on foot  from Wakayama Station.

Conclusion

I know that some people would love Aji  chukasoba

because the restaurant`s been running for a long time. But, the bowl that they served me was`t  what I`m lookiing for.

Mission the ultimate bowl of Wakayama ramen noodles (bowl 4)

Tanpopo Ramen (literally dandelion ramen)☆☆☆ out of 5 (researched 11  Apr 2015)

Wakayama ramen noodles are called "ramen" in Nachikatsuura

Nachikatsuura is located about 180km South East from Wakayama City.

You can get there by Limited express  "Kuroshio," take about 3 hours.

Last month, I stayed in Nachikatsura for a few weeks.One weekend, I tried the locally famed ramen place called "Tanpopo Ramen" to research their ramen noodles.

First of all, Tanpopo Ramen is a sister restaurant of Wakayama City`s famous "Ide Shoten".

This is what I saw at  Tanpopo Ramen

Soup, the poke bone with soy sauce broth is used (it looked very  much

similar to what's served at Ide Shoten).

However, I liked their soup because it had a great harmony of the flavor of soy sauce with  good body of poke bone.

Noodles, thinly straight shaped noodles are perfectly cooked. I suppose that those noodles at Maruta-ya (researched 30 Oct 2014) were slightly better. But, those at Tanpopo were good enough.

Menu

Ramen  ラーメン 600yen

Ramen dai ラーメン 大 (ramen large) 700yen

Chashu-men チャーシュー麺(ramen noodles topped with slices of roasted pork) 700yen

Chashu -men dai チャーシュー麺 大 (large) 800yen

Gyoza 餃子 ギョーザ 400yen

Fried rice チャーハン＝ヤキメシ charhan =yakimeshi 600yen

Fried rice large チャーハン大＝ヤキメシ大 charhan dai=yakimeshi dai 700yen

Chahan and ramen combo チャーハン ラーメンセット fried rice and ramen

set 1000yen, served only for lunch

A bottle of beer 550yen

A glass of draft beer 550yen  

Overall

Since Tanpopo Ramen is a small place, wheelchair is not recommended to

enter with.

The Japanese styled toilet is only available.

Conclusion

I stayed in Nachikatsuura for four weeks to have intensive rehabilitation at

the hospital. Tanpopo ramen was a good place to eat the taste of town.

However, I`m not sure if Tanpopo is worth trying from Wakayama City because Nachikatsuura (the place where Tanpopo ramen is located) is too far to

travel for lunch  and   you have  dozens of good Wakaama ramen restaurants in your backyard. But, you gotta go for it, if you are crazy about the food.

The Disabled journeyman in Nachikatsuura.

Ryo the Disabled Journeyman

 Hello everyone, I launched a new project called "Ryo the disabled
journeyman " to let you know how a person with paralysis on the left side
 make a train trip with out a wheelchair in Japan and what I found in the
destination.

Mission 1; a train trip from Wakayama Station to Kiikatsuura Station and
what's in the town of Nachikatsuura.

PREPARATIONS

1st, I had months of training at a sport gym like the movie "Rocky" to make
myself fit to handle all the accidents on the road.
Generally, a disabled person tends to have a lack of exercise, therefore, you must be stronger than your average before getting a heavy backpack on your back.(I was actually going to stay in Nachikatuura for a few weeks for
some reason.)

2nd, I was fully equipped with special shoes attached with medical walking
outfit, litter backpack, a trekking stick, a pair of sunglasses and a hat.

3rd, I researched what's there in the area on www.nachikan.jp/ ( available in English )

4th, I made a couple of phone calls for JR West railways to ask them for help me at stations on 0570008989 (the sector to help the people with special needs) and 0088245489(free to call only for bookings)

DETAILS

Locations
Kiikatsuura Stations is on the South East side of Kii Peninsula
while Wakayama Stations is on the South West side of the Peninsula.

Distance
185.8km

Time Required
2h 48m by limited express Kuroshio (literally Black Current)

Costs
a standard ticket = 3350yen for adult (it gets half the price with your disabled certificate.)1670yen for child
 a limited express ticket = 1730yen (unreserved seat) 870yen (child)
                                          = 2450yen (reserved seat) 1230yen (child)

 Children (below 12)are charged the half fare.

 Infant (below 6, before entering primarily school) is charged free if not accompanied by an adult or a chiled. Charged a child fare if more than 3 infants, the third one be charged a child fare.

    As usual, I started the trip to Nachikatsuura from the East entrance of Wakayama Station.

               You can get supplied whatever you want at the Kiosk of East entrance.

        Unfortunately, Wakayama Station has poor accessibly for wheel chair.

      They sent me this station employee to carry my stuff all the way from the entrance to the platform. (wheelchair is available if you need. Ask them.)

Hear my train A coming

       It's nice, safe, clean and comfortable on the limited express "Kuroshio"

            Unfortunately, there was the Japanese type-toilet was installed.

        "Kuroshio”(literally Black Current) runs down South along the coast line .

Fortunately, Kiikatsuura Station is fully accessible for wheelchair.

    The accessible slope lets you go and in with your wheelchair at the station.

As you may know, Nachikatsura is as known as the place of the highest  catch quota of tuna in the nation.

One weekend, I went to the Nachikatsuura Fishing port on foot to research what's there. Here are the pictures which I took at the place.

Fresh tuna is sold at the unattended sales places. I hear that the locals buy some fresh tuna to bring home, and cooking some tuna dish at home. Sounds cool doesn’t it? 

                          No body was around because it was Saturday.

Due to the sneak shot issue on the dolphin fishery to film the movie "The Cove" in Taiji Town. The local fishermen look a bit fussy.

Let us tell you what our idea about the dolphin fishery and whaling. Please check it
on http://www.pref.wakayama.lg.jp/prefg/071500/iruka/dolphin_fishery.html

The fish market is held at the place in the mornings during the week. You can try fresh sushi when the fish market is open.

                              The place has the clean toilet for public.

                         It's totally accessible to approach to the toilet. 

      There is the shopping arcade on the way back to the Kiikatsuura Station.

         I found another unattended sales place of tuna in the shopping arcade.

                      I also found a Thai restaurant in the shopping arcade.

Actually, I had a bowl of rice topped with raw tuna (マグロ丼　maguro-don) to finish the research. Cost me 1100yen.

                                 Nachikatsuura is a nice little place.

Conclusion

Nachikatsuura is a compact place for the tourists to cruise around on foot.

The whole thing took me 4 hours of good walking.

In Nachikatsuura, I advice you to try some local seafood. 

Who wants boxing ? 2014

Mission, the year-end boxing fights in Japan (researched 16 Dec 2014)

Hello everyone, the year-end is around the corner. Following the last year, I`ll  let know what will happen on the boxing rings on the 30th and 31st nights

First of all, the eight world title bouts will be held in two large cities (one venue in Osaka, two venues in Tokyo)

30th Dec. Tokyo gymnasium, Tokyo. On Fuji network

WBO World super fly weight bout

Omar Narvaes (Argentina) vs Naoya Inoue (Japan)

Champion, Narvaes has the fighting record (professional) that 46 fights 43 wins (23 KOs)  1 loss 2 draws.  (armature)  more than 100 fights. Narvaes has been defending his title for 12 years, has 28 wins and 1 loss in world title fights, is known as one of the strongest of all time.

Challenger, Inoue is  (professional) undefeated  7 wins(6 Kos)
(armature) 81 fights 75 wins (48 KOs) 6 losses, Inoue is nicknamed "monster".

He has the Japan record that taking the minimum fights to become a world champion. The former world light fly weight champion will fight for the second world title

The fight is considered as the premier bout in year-end. Must watch the highest boxing technics!!

WBC world light fly weight bout
 

Akira Yaegashi (Japan) vs Pedro Guevara (Mexico)

Champion, Yaegashi has the fighting record   (professional) that 24 fights 20 wins (10 Kos) 4 losses (armature) 70 fights 56 wins 14 losses,Yaegashi is known as the man of radical fight.

Challenger, Guevara has the fighting record  (professional) that 25 fights 23 wins (15 Kos)1 loss 1 draw.

Personally, Yaegashi is one of my favorite boxers. I love his commitment  and attitude to being a fighter. Must watch the fierce fight!!

WBC world light weight bought

Jorge Linares (Venezuela) vs Javier Prieto (Mexico)

Champion, Linares has the fighting record that  (professional) 40 fights 37 wins (24 KOs )3 losses, is originally from Venezuela. Now he trains in Japan to fight for the third world title.

Challenger, Javier Prieto has the fighting record  (professional) that 33 fights 24 wins(18 Kos) 7 losses 2 draws.

Linares has been considered as the one with "golden talent". The world title bout will show you how 2 of the best  fight for the world title belt.

Must watch!! 

31st Dec. Osaka Body Maker Colosseum. On TBS network

WBO world super bantam weight bought
 

Guillermo Rigondo (Cuba) vs Hisashi Amagasa (Japan)

 

Champion, Rigondo has the fighting record(amateur) that 487 fights 475 wins 12 losses, two time Olympic champion, two time amateur world champion.

(professional) 12 fights 12 wins (8 KOs) undefeated.

Challenger, Amagasa has the fighting record (professional) that 34 fights 28 wins (19 KOs) 4 losses 2 draws, world ranked 9th.

Asyou see, Rigondo's career overwhelms Amagasa. All what we would like to watch is how the complete Cuban athlete take the under dog down.

I suppose that Rigondo would be feeling comfortable to have Amagasa on the ring, guess that the fight wouldn`t go as far as the 3rd.

IBF world minimum weight title match

Katsunari Takayama (Japan) vs Tsuyoshi Ohira (Japan)

Champion, Takayama has the fighting record that (professional) 35 fights 

27 wins (10 KOs) 7 losses 1 invalid fight.

Challenger, Ohira has fighting record that (professional) 17 fights 11 wins (11 KOs) 3 losses 3 draws.

Takayama has been traveling around the globe for a few yeras to collect

world titles, and has unified 3 ( WBC, WBA, IBF )out of 4.

Personally, I like Takayama because he travels to searrch for one thing.

The journie man had even retired in Japan  to get on the ring for IBF  title i

the Philipnes because IBF title was not authorized in his nation back then.

However, The unified champion has far more expirience than the young

challenger.

I suppose the point of fight would be how Takayama give Ohira lessons  how to fight for a world title.

31st Ota ward Gymnasium on TV Tokyo Network

WBA world super fether weight title match

Takashi Uchiyama (Japan) vs Israel Perez(Argentina)

Champion, Uchiyama has the fighting record (armature) that 113 wins

91 wins 22 losses (professional) 22 fights 21 wins (17 KOs) 1 loss

Challenger, Perez has the fighting record (armature) that 90 fights 80 wins

10 losses (professional)  30 fights 27 wins (16 KO) 2 losses 1 draw

Uchiyama would be the one to watch in the night of  boxing because he rules

 the night by his combination of precised jabs and solid blows.

 The champion  is considered one of the best in his division.

I suppose Uchiyama would deserve to fight for milion dollars in Las  Vegas.

WBA  world super fly weight title match

Kohei Kono (Japan) vs  Norbert Jimenez ( Dominican Republics)

Champion, Kono has the fighting record (armature) that 4 fights 2 wins 2 losses, (professional)  38 fights 30 wins (13 Kos) 8 losses

Challenger, Jimenes has the  fighting record (professional)  that 31fights 20 wins (10 KOs) 8 losses 3 draws

Kono gets on the ring for a world title in the night of New year`s Eve

4 consecutive years, is very much comitted to defend his tite.

WBA world light fly weight title match

Ryoichi Taguchi (Japan) vs Albert Rossel (Peru)

Champion, Rossel has the fighting recotd (armature) that  represents Peru in  the Atlanta Olympics, (professional) 40 fights 32 wins (13KOs) 8 losses

Challenger, Taguchi has the fighting record (armature) that 2 fights 2 wins, (professional) 23 fights 20 wins (8KOs) 2 losses 1 draw  

Those 3 Japanese boxers (Uchiyama, Kono and Taguchi) belong to Watanabe Boxing Gym, those Watanabe boys will rip the night up on the world title ring. Must watch!!!