This past weekend was full of action, particularly on Saturday, April 5th as numerous exciting bouts transpired ― including several title fights. Amongst the most noteworthy bouts, however, was an undisputed bout between German unified [WBA, WBC & WBO] champion Tina Rupprecht (15-1-1, 3 KO’s) and Japanese IBF champion Sumire Yamanaka (8-1, 3 KO’s). Held at atomweight (102 lbs), the bout marked the first-ever undisputed match at the weight class, and as expected proved to be a competitive match fitting for such a historical spectacle. The two headlined at the MBS Arena in Potsdam, Brandenburg.
The bout became evenly-sided early on as both fighters tried each other out, with Rupprecht adopting a style where she sought to pressure Yamanaka and box from the outside, while Yamanaka herself utilized patience and timing in order to counterattack.
With Yamanaka’s defense appropriately tight and solid, Rupprecht faced difficulties as she moved around frequently in a bid to open up the Japanese fighter’s guard, though was also forced to endure an onslaught of counterpunches when she came in.
Yamanaka’s own work rate was heavily dependent on Rupprecht because she relied on the German champion to open herself up, which eventually backfired as Rupprecht doubled-down on her approach and decided to relentlessly pressure Yamanaka to avoid her being able to reply with her counters.
Rupprecht’s strategy worked, though she could only manage it in spurts. Overall, Yamanaka’s own efforts in the ring were commendable but with no real initiative being made in cornering Rupprecht herself, her approach ultimately failed to make a difference. A large part that played in this was Rupprecht’s own toughness, which prevented Yamanaka from making the needed impact through her landed shots.
Following the 10-designated rounds of the undisputed bout, Rupprecht was announced the winner by majority decision (MD) through the judges’ scorecards of 99-91, 95-95, and 96-95. The first score was reflected inaccurately as Rupprecht was not able to simply walk through Yamanaka as the Japanese champion’s defense was almost impenetrable at times. The second score, the draw that led to the MD, reflected the close nature of the match but was also not precise as Rupprecht notably did enough through her own work rate to earn the win.
Rupprecht, 32, now stands at the pinnacle of her 102 lbs division as the first undisputed champion, though challenges are still abound with the German champion having previously carved out a career at minimumweight (105 lbs) and could be planning for a return with there currently being four world champions she could fight; including one against countryman Sarah Bormann (19-1, 7 KO’s) who currently holds the WBO 105-pound title.
