By Carlos Costa

A successful second world title defense for the veteran.   South African IBF Flyweight World Champion Moruti “Baby Face” Mthalane (38-2, 25 KO’s) scored a unanimous decision win over Japanese warrior Masayuki Kuroda (30-8-3, 16 KO’s) to retain his shining red and golden belt today, Monday, May 13, at the famed Korakue Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

The experienced Moruti Mthalane made good use his ring savvy and toughness to deal with the strong Kuroda, a warrior made of steel. 

Official tallies were 116-112 (twice) and 117-111 all in favor of the 36-year-old tough fighter from the land of Nelson Mandela.

With the win, Mthalane successfully gets a foothold on his new reign as IBF 112-pound king, vowing to be ready for any other tough challenger or fellow champion anytime, anywhere.   

Mthalane is trained by his longtime friend, award-winning South African coach Colin Nathan.

On the losing corner, Masayuki Kuroda, again falls short of conquering a world title.    Six years ago the fully-committed boxer Kuroda tried hard to win a belt in his battle against then champion Juan Carlos Reveco, losing by points.   Same this time.  

Still, the brave Masayuki Kuroda, 32, who ended the war with a swollen, almost shut right eye    —   hurtful evidence of Mthalane’s accurate counter left hooks   —  is Japan’s flyweight national champion.

The Mthalane vs Kuroda rumble for the IBF Flyweight world title today Monday, May 13, was a production of promoter Shosei Nitta of Kawasaki Nitta Promotions.

The author Carlos Costa is a Panama boxing reporter living in the Philippines.   Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.comand whatsapp/viber/wechat:  +639184538152.