Despite loss to Japanese foe, Vitor still thankful for opportunity to fight in Tokyo

Virgel Vitor | Facebook photo

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Boholano boxing prospect John Virgel “Valiente” Vitor remains grateful despite his split decision loss to Japanese Toshihiro Suzuki in his first fight in Japan on Thursday evening, at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo. 

Vitor lost to Suzuki via split decision after two Japanese judges Koji Tanaka and Katsuhiko Nakamura scored their eight-rounder bout 76-75, in favor of the hometown boxer.

Only one judge, Kazutoshi Yoshida, who was also a Japanese, favored Vitor with the identical scores of 76-75. 

In his Facebook post, Vitor said he was thankful for the opportunity to showcase his skills in Japan. 

“Waman nakuha nako ang kadaugan pero thankful gihapon ko kay nahuman ang fight nga safe ko thank you Lord,” he said.  

“Sa mga supporters nako pasensya na bawi na lang ko sunod nga mas kusog, ug sa promoter manager nako sir Floriezyl Echavez Podot sir salamat sa motivation, mas more pa akung ehatag nga duwa puhon bawe ko salamat kaayo sir, the best ka sir thankful ko kaau nga ikaw akong promoter,” he added.

Vitor also thanked matchmaker Edito Villamor and his trainers Edsel Burlas and Niño Jalnaiz.

Despite the loss, Vitor remains the World Boxing Council (WBC) Asian silver super featherweight champion and World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental super featherweight title holder. 

He now has a record of 21 wins with 14 knockouts and three defeats. 

Meanwhile, Suzuki improved to four wins with three knockouts. 

On the other hand, another Filipino who fought in the fight card, Jestine Tesoro, lost to Yoshimitsu Kimura via a fifth round technical knockout. 

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