Nishioka Defeats Marquez By Decision [VIDEO]

LAS VEGAS, NV — Toshiaki Nishioka (39-4-3, 24 KOs) relied on a speedy and accurate straight left hand to outpoint Rafael Marquez (40-7, 36 KOs) and retain his WBC super bantamweight title last night at the MGM Grand.

The initial four rounds were close, strategic affairs with both men wary of each other’s power. Marquez’s best punch was his left jab, which kept Nishioka at bay and allowed the challenger to land sporadic straight rights. As the noticeably faster fighter, Nishioka relied on lead left crosses that were eye-catching in their accuracy.

Nishioka took firm control of the fight in round five. He shook Marquez with a straight left cross that reverberated loudly in the area. Now knowing he could land the shot at will, Nishioka picked up his output in rounds 6-9 while adding in right hooks whenever Marquez sought to get inside. In contrast, Marquez’s offense was weak and ineffective; his slow punches had no snap and were easily slipped and countered.

Nishioka wobbled Marquez in the 10th with a left cross and followed with heavy combinations in pursuit of a knockout. Marquez held off an ending blow, but could not reverse the accuracy Nishioka’s left hand until late in the 12th, when he briefly stunned Nishioka with a right hook during a final toe to toe sequence.

The judges awarded the unanimous decision to Nishioka by scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113, reflecting his dominance of the middle and late rounds. The victory is also historic in marking the first successful title defense made by a Japanese fighter on American soil.

“Marquez was powerful. His punches extend and he’s a great fighter,” Nishioka explained. “I could not relax for a second in that fight. I’m very thankful and appreciate everyone’s support.”

“This is a loss I don’t see as a loss,” said Marquez. “I thought I was ahead on points because I won the early rounds. At least one point up. Things happen. I’m gonna keep going forward. I didn’t feel I deserved this loss. I would love to have a rematch.”

At press time, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum is hoping to match Nishioka with Nonito Donaire or Jorge Arce.