Filipino boxer Pumicpic pulls off big upset in Japan, wins decision over Amagasa

MANILA, Philippines – Richard Pumicpic, the tough-as-nails overachieving Filipino boxer, went overseas to win a unanimous decision over former world title challenger Hisashi Amagasa Friday, September 29 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

All 3 scores – 115-113, 115-112 and 117-111 – favored Pumicpic (20-8-2, 6 knockouts) of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte over the much taller Amagasa (33-7-2, 21 KOs), who is best remembered for knocking down pound-for-pound candidate Guillermo Rigondeaux twice in a battle for the unified junior featherweight title. 

“It was a hard fought fight for Richard. But he stuck and responded very well to coach Warren [Jaro’s] game plan. And they were able to get the rounds 1-3,” said Pumicpic’s promoter Anson Tiu Co, who also handles OPBF light flyweight titleholder Edward Heno. The win puts the vacant WBO Asia Pacific featherweight title around Pumicpic’s waist, and will likely earn him a world ranking at 126 pounds. 

“During the ninth, the Japanese almost caught Richard. And from the 10th onwards, Pumicpic got his second wind and plowed through the Japanese.” 

“It helped me to be victorious with our proper training in Philippines,” said Pumicpic in Filipino. “We really prepared for this fight.”

Prior to the Amagasa fight, Pumicpic had only been able to get the decision in one fight abroad, but had earned much respect for his rugged challenge of Cesar Juarez in Mexico, nearly knocking him out in the tenth round in October of 2016. Tiu Co is hoping to get an opportunity back at 122 pounds against the winner between Juarez and WBO junior featherweight titleholder Jessie Magdaleno, which takes place on November 11.

“We’ll wait and see if any offers would come and if not, I’ll keep promoting his fights to move up his rankings,” says Tiu Co. “I’m hoping he would get the chance to fight the winner between Magdaleno and whatshisname [Juarez]!”

“I hope for the world title,” added Pumicpic. – Rappler.com