Former two time Strawweight World champion Katsunari Takayama 23-4(9) embarks on his attempt to add the IBF Strawweight championship to the WBC & WBA he’s already won. He’ll fight in South Africa against local Tshepo Lewele in a title eliminator. Takayama 27, previously held the WBC crown briefly in 2005 for four months & WBA Interim title from late in 2006 until he fought full champion Yutaka Niida in a bid to unify the WBA championship in April 2007. Though he’s been a pro since 2000 and has fought many of the top fighters in and around his weight class he still remains a top contender rated 10 by the IBF & 11 by the WBO. Here’s what he had to say.
Hello Katsunari, welcome to 15rounds.com
Anson Wainwright – Firstly you recently signed to fight under the ALA Boxing Promotional company. How did this move come about? What can you tell us about this deal, it’s especially interesting because few Japanese fighters leave Japan and fight for other company’s outside there homeland?
Katsunari Takayama – As for the relationship with ALA Boxing Promotional, our team developed a good relationship with them through the daily practice at ALA Gym. Then, that contract was concluded.
Anson Wainwright – It’s reported you will fight Lucky Lewele in an IBF Eliminator at the end of August in South Africa. What can you tell us about this, is it the case? If so what do you think of Lewele?
Katsunari Takayama – As for the fight with Tshepo Lefele, we plan to hold it in Johannesburg in South Africa on August 27. The contents reported by news agencies are correct. I think I can win the fight with Tshepo Lefele.
Anson Wainwright – Japanese fighters don’t normally fight for a title that’s not by the WBC or WBA. However that’s what your attempting to do. Can you tell us about this move, it seems pretty ground breaking?
Katsunari Takayama – I have a dream of winning titles in 4 leagues and several classes. The Japanese commission does not approve IBF and WBO, and so we have no choice but to leave Japan to actualize my dream. Then, we are taking the first step. As for boxing weight classes, I am okay with 105 lb. Of course, I am thinking about the 108-lb class, too.
Anson Wainwright – You’ll of been off over a year by the time you fight Lewele, how are you preparing yourself for such a big fight without ring rust coming into play? Who will you spar with?
Katsunari Takayama – As for practice and adjustment, I plan to do one-month training at ALA Gym from June 21, and make final adjustments in Japan.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & Promoter?
Katsunari Takayama – Manager: Ken Matsumoto, Chief trainer: Hiroaki Nakade, Physical trainer: Hideki Aoki & Promoter: ALA Promotions
Anson Wainwright – You have fought three of the best Strawweights of the last few years Eagle Kyowa, Yutaka Niida & Roman Gonzalez unfortunately you lost to them all. Can you assess how good each one was for us? Who was the best of them? Who was the best boxer & who hit the hardest?
Katsunari Takayama – The strongest boxer I have ever encountered is Roman Gonzalez.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your younger days growing up in Osaka and how you first came across Boxing and the path you have since taken?
Katsunari Takayama – I was motivated to start boxing after the following experience. Invited by my friend, I visited a boxing gym. My first boxing practice was all new and enjoyable to me, and since then, I have been addicted to boxing.
Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing? What hobbies do you have? What do you think you’d be doing if it was for Boxing to make a living?
Katsunari Takayama – I cannot lead my life without boxing, and so my lifestyle is filled with boxing.
Anson Wainwright – Who was your Boxing hero growing up? What fighters today do you admire and why?
Katsunari Takayama – I like Yoko Gushiken & Sugar Ray Leonard. I like boxing style of Sugar Ray Leonard
Best Wishes and thank you for your time
Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com