Sho Kimura finished a strong year in 2017 with an impressive win on new years eve to ensure his momentum carries over into the new year.

The WBO flyweight champion stopped former champion Toshiyuki Igarashi inside 9 rounds in Tokyo earlier today which was shown on the TBS network in Japan.

The fight proved to be a one-sided beat down in favor of Kimura in the end. Despite been the underdog in some people’s eyes beforehand.

It was the first stoppage loss of former champion Igarashi’s pro career.

Also fighting today in Japan was native fighting son Ryoichi Taguch who won a points decision over Milan Melindo to defend his WBA light-flyweight title.

He also captured Melindo’s IBF light-flyweight title in what was a unanimous points decision on all three judges’ scorecards.

All in all, boxing may have been quiet over the holiday period in the West – but the action in Asia over the last couple of days has more than made up for it.

Traditionally the lighter weight classes can be a tough sell at times but there is no denying the demand for boxing in countries like Japan and indeed China.

The sport is most certainly alive and well in Asia. Like it is worldwide at the moment.