In the summer of 2006 Nobuo Nashiro first sprang to prominence when he wrested the WBA Super Flyweight title away from Martin Castillo, impressively stopping the Mexican in the tenth due to cuts. It looked even more impressive when you take into account it was only Nashiro’s eighth fight, he had only been a pro for 3 years completing just 42 rounds. Since then Nashiro has taken on all comers with mixed results, with his record currently standing at 14-3-1(9). The 29 year old, two time WBA 115 champion hopes his recent strong showing against Mexican Tomas Rojas can keep him relevant and in the mix for big fights further down the line. He’s currently ranked by the WBC 10 & The Ring 5.
Hello Nobuo, welcome to 15 rounds. com
Anson Wainwright – Firstly you recently fought Tomas Rojas for his WBC Super Flyweight title. You lost a razor close decision. What are your thoughts on the fight?
Nobuo Nashiro – I wound up getting out manoeuvred, and wasn’t able to force him into an exchange. I wanted to fight it out toe-to-toe, but he wouldn’t let me. I’m very upset about it.
Anson Wainwright – Though its early days do you know what your next move will be? Are you thinking of moving up to Bantamweight or do you intend to get back in line and have another go at winning a title at Super Flyweight?
Nobuo Nashiro – I want to be champion again. If there’s a chance, I’ll fight at either weight class.
Anson Wainwright – Could you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym to you train at?
Nobuo Nashiro – I belong to Mutoh Boxing Gym in Nagai, Osaka. My promoter and manager is the owner of the gym, Mr. Takashi Edagawa. My trainer is Mr. Toshiyuki Fujiwara.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your gym and the other fighters who train there?
Nobuo Nashiro – We have a really great atmosphere in the gym here. It’s great for training. We also have a special conditioning & strength coach who helps us out, so we can stay in top physical condition. My gym mates are: former Japanese Bantamweight Champion, WBC #20 Bantamweight Mikio Yasuda (WBC #20); former Japanese Middleweight Champion Tetsuya Suzuki; WBC #15 Flyweight Hiroshi Mukai; and Japan #5 Welterweight Takayuki Hosokawa. We’ve got a lot of talented, good boxers here.
Anson Wainwright – How did you first become interested in Boxing and can you tell us about your first experience with it? Who was your hero growing up and why?
Nobuo Nashiro – The first time I saw a boxing match, when I was eight years old, it was fascinating—so cool—I was hooked. When I was a kid, I admired WBC Bantamweight Champion Joichiro Tatsuyoshi. I really admired the exciting way he fought.
Anson Wainwright – When you’re not Boxing what sort of things do you enjoy doing to relax?
Nobuo Nashiro – I like fishing.
Anson Wainwright – Who do you consider your toughest opponent to date and what is your best performance so far?
Nobuo Nashiro – The Alexander Munoz fight was a tough fight. For me, my best fight was when I first won the world title from Martin Castillo.
Anson Wainwright – Much is made of the Kameda brothers, they are very different from most Japanese people. Is this a fight you’d like and what are your thoughts on them?
Nobuo Nashiro – Of course I want to fight them. I’m confident I would win. The Kameda Brothers generate a lot of talk and get a lot of exposure, but I don’t think they will achieve as much as Mr. Hasegawa and Mr. Nishioka.
Anson Wainwright – I have heard that you have sparred a lot with Mr. Hasegawa. How was that? Recently, Hasegawa moved up to featherweight and became world champion. Is making the weight at super flyweight difficult for you too? Do you also have a plan to move up and challenge for a world title?
Nobuo Nashiro – About Mr. Hasegawa, I really respect him as a boxer. He’s strong, and I think he’s an amazing boxer.
I don’t have any trouble making weight at super flyweight, but if there’s a chance at super flyweight or bantamweight, I’ll fight at either weight.
Anson Wainwright – We haven’t heard about Sasha Bakhtin lately, but I believe the two of you sparred. What was your impression of Bakhtin?
Nobuo Nashiro – I’ve also sparred with Sasha Bakhtin. He’s really good, and I think if he gets a chance, he’ll be a world champion.
Anson Wainwright – Your opponents in world title matches so far have been Castillo, Garcia, Munoz, Cazares, and Rojas. With the exception of Munoz, they have all been Mexican, and all of them are Latino. What is your impression of Mexican and Latino boxers? Is there a difference between the way Mexican and Latino boxers and Japanese boxers fight?
Nobuo Nashiro – Each and every one of them was different, but they are all smooth, with relaxed shoulders, and can attack from various different angles. Also, they have a variety of punches in their arsenals. I’ve learned a lot from fighting them.
Anson Wainwright – You’ve never fought abroad, have you? Someday, would you like to fight abroad?
Nobuo Nashiro – If I have a chance, I’ll fight anyone, anywhere, anytime. I want the chance for a big match.
Anson Wainwright – There are many elite boxers in the Bantamweight division now. For example, Montiel, who beat Hasegawa, Donaire, Darchinian, Mijares, Mares, Moreno. What is your dream match?
Nobuo Nashiro – If I was allowed to fight them, I think I’d like to fight any of the names you mention here. If it came true, I’d be really happy. More than anything, I just want the chance.
Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans that support you in your fights?
Nobuo Nashiro – I want to keep on fighting. If I get the chance, I’ll fight anyone. I hope you can watch my explosive fights!
Thanks for your time Nobau.
Anson Wainwright & Loren Goodman
15rounds.com
Special thanks to Loren Goodman, without whom this Interview wouldn’t of been possible.
