Katsunari Takayama faces Ryuji Hara in a IBF title bout

Katsunari Takayama (29-7, 11 KOs) will make his second title defense against Ryuji Hara (19-1, 11 KOs) in a 12 round IBF World minimumweight title bout. The fight is scheduled to take place @ EDION Arena Osaka, Osaka, Osaka on September 29th.

Katsunari Takayama recentl fought Fahlan Sakkreerin Jr in April winning by a technical decision in the 9th round, scores: judges: Takeshi Shimakawa 90-81, Cherdchaichanon Sricharat 86-85, Kyoung Ha Shin 87-84. He is best known for his fight against Francisco Rodriguez Jr. last August, many thought it was fight of the year. Takayam, lost to Rodriguez Jr. and was knocked down in the 3rd round.

Ryuji Hara, recently defeated Petchnamchai Sor Sakulwong by a second round knockout. Hara, has only has one lost to Kosei Tanaka, last Oct, where he was knocked out in the tenth round.

“I want to get through this match Hara and have a big fight Tanaka,” said Takayama.