Zapata Says He’ll Beat Hozumi in Title Bout
KOFU, Japan — Champion Hilario Zapata of Panama predicted that he would beat Japanese challenger Shuichi Hozumi in tonight’s World Boxing Assn. flyweight title bout.
“I have had enough training,” Zapata said. “It’s up to Hozumi, but I will certainly win either by a knockout or decision,”
The 27-year-old Panamanian is making his second defense of the WBA 112-pound title. He defeated Javier Lucas of Mexico in a unanimous decision at Panama City last January.
Zapata is 31-5 with 11 knockouts. Hozumi, the WBA’s No. 7 flyweight contender, has won 28, eight by knockouts, and lost three.
The 15-round bout will be held at Nirasaki, 74 miles west of Tokyo.
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