With another major boxing event set to enthrall Japan this week, we turn our attention towards the intriguing clash between Kosei Tanaka and Christian Bacasegua Rangel for the vacant WBO World Junior Bantamweight Championship on Saturday, February 24th. This highly anticipated bout could be an end-to-end affair as both fighters lock horns for the coveted title.
Last May, in a dominant display at his home turf of Nagoya’s Paloma Mizuho Arena, Kosei Tanaka secured a stoppage victory over Pablo Carrillo in the 10th round. Tanaka, leveraging his height advantage, unleashed his trademark high-volume punching but adopted a more measured approach, employing a sharp jab and controlled movement to dictate the range.
By the ninth round, Carrillo appeared visibly fatigued with his punch output dwindling. Reduced to throwing sporadic bursts, he ultimately succumbed to Tanaka’s relentless pressure in the following round.
Having most recently secured a knockout victory over Eliud De los Santos in Mexico just last October, Rangel boasts fresher ring experience than Tanaka. However, the question remains: can he replicate that feat in the face of a roaring home crowd cheering for their hero, Kosei Tanaka? Find out in our Kosei Tanaka vs. Christian Bacasegua Rangel betting preview, using the latest odds from bookmaker William Hill.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 22nd, 2:00 P.M. (GMT)
According to bookmaker William Hill, the odds favor Tanaka at 1.20, suggesting a strong possibility of him securing victory and etching his name alongside Inoue and Ioka as the third Japanese boxer to hold titles in four weight divisions. The chances of Rangel getting his hands raised by the referee is 4.50, and a draw is favoured at 17.00.
Why is Tanaka such a clear-cut favourite? At just 28 years old, he’s hitting his prime and has bounced back spectacularly from his 2020 loss to the legendary Kazuto Ioka. Now, he stands on the cusp of regaining the same belt he once challenged Ioka for, a testament to his grit and determination, qualities many fighters lack.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 22nd, 2:00 P.M. (GMT)
While Tanaka is the bookies’ favourite, Rangel presents a unique challenge. This Mexican contender, largely unknown outside his native scene, possesses a formidable combination of size, strength, and remarkable resilience. He is a fighter with unwavering spirit, having faced down tough opponents in the renowned Mexican club circuit. The lack of international experience, however, makes him the underdog in this fight.
Kosei Tanaka sets his sights on becoming a four-weight world champion, aiming to erase the sting of his 2020 TKO loss to the legendary Kazuto Ioka. Since then, he’s meticulously rebuilt his campaign with four consecutive victories. Rangel promises to be a tricky opponent, but overcoming Tanaka appears to be too big of a challenge for the 26-year-old. Tanaka should claim the bragging rights with a TKO.
