Keitaro Hoshino

Keitaro Hoshino was born in August 14, 1976 in Kanagawa, Japan. He is another typical east fighter who has not fought outside of his home country throughout his career. Tough he has very little power; he believes in himself and depends on his average boxing skills to beat his opponents. The boxing gurus commented that he did not hold his first, nor second, world titles very long like other boxers. However he received two other title shots against Noel Arambulet. He lost a split close decisions in both but was fighting though not a great champion by any means. He prepared himself to win a title fight and thus hold on to the title. But before acquiring that, he needs to take a few fights against lesser competition

With his fight with Suzuki, he cautiously began with a few but more accurate shots to the face of the opponent. As the champ, he utilized his superior footwork in the 2nd, and showed his good defense against Suzuki's. He dominated the 5th through 7th sessions with a fine display of his superior skill. And in the 7th session, he had the opponent knockdown. Then Suzuki desperately fought back with a fusillade of punches hitting him at the right eyebrow during the 8 round. He retaliated with fast combinations in the beginning of the 9th. It was his 3rd defense of his Japanese 105 pound title but needs more progress in physical and punching power.