RISE 174 took place today at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan. The event saw many upcoming prospects and was headlined by Masahiko Suzuki (34-7) against Koki Osaki (31-6-1, 1 NC) for the RISE Bantamweight Championship. The fight aired live for free on Abema.
MASAHIKO SUZUKI VS. KOKI OSAKI
In the next chapter in the division's storied history, Koki Osaki, brother of pound-for-pound great Kazuki Osaki, claimed the belt over five rounds. A hard-earned victory, the 24-year-old had to weather Suzuki's high-volume striking and counter with more effective shots that paid dividends in the later rounds. A tough break for Suzuki, who's lost three out of his last four, all against top opposition – Shiro, Masashi Kumura, and now Koki Osaki.
After the fight, the emotional Koki Osaki thanked his brother and gym.
"I won! Big brother, thank you for waiting! Thank you big brother, who worked really hard even though it took a long time to get to this point, and the [gym} chairman who raised me since kindergarten. I am grateful for the chairman, everyone at the gym, and everyone who supports me. I have made it this far. Thank you for raising me without abandoning me. Suzuki has led the way for the the 55 KG division, so I have been able to get to where I am today. I will continue to increase the value of the 55 KG belt. Thank you very much for your support."
HIGHLIGHTS
Elsewhere on the card, Knight Makino and Daiki Toita scored highlight-reel knockouts.
