Takayama vs. Lefele

CEBU-based former world champion Katsunari Takayama will face South African Tshepo Lefele in an International Boxing Federation mini-flyweight title eliminator at the Carnival City in Brakpan, Gauteng, South Africa today.

The first international fighter of ALA Promotions is on the comeback trail after a heart-breaking loss to World Boxing Association mini-flyweight king Roman Gonzalez over a year ago.

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Takayama, who is fresh from a long layoff, is looking at challenging the IBF title held by unbeaten South African Nkosinathi Joyi, with a victory against IBF No. 3 Lefele.

The 27-year-old Japanese, who will be fighting for the first time outside Japan, is a former WBA and World Boxing Council (WBC) mini-flyweight titleholder and has a 23-4 record with nine knockouts.

He is ranked ninth in the IBF and 10th in the World Boxing Organization.