Before Andy Hiraoka stepped into the ring last Saturday night, he was already at a disadvantage.
While most of “ The Ring: High Stakes ” combatants were getting comfortable in Las Vegas, Hiraoka was busy trying to make his way stateside. The 29-year-old dealt with visa delay issues and didn't arrive to the U.S. from Japan until Thursday of fight week. While it wasn’t ideal, he fought well before losing a unanimous decision to WBA 140-pound champion, Gary Antuanne Russell . Many believed the fight to be closer and some had Hirakoa winning. The agonozing delay and subsequent result hasn't deterred Hirakoa, however, it's lit a fire under him. “Congrats Gary Antuanne Russell,” Hiraoka wrote on his Instagram account. “I will bounce back. We didn’t get the win but we will definitely come back.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0nbx1nZdJg Prior to facing Russell, The Ring’s No. 7 ranked junior welterweight, Hiraoka was on a roll, scoring 10 consecutive stoppages. At times, it seemed as though that streak would continue as he buzzed Russell in numerous rounds. In the 10th, nevertheless, the Japanese native lost a bit of momentum as he was deducted a point for a low blow. In the final two rounds, Hiraoka outlanded his man 31-23. Despite having success, judges Glenn Feldman and Jack Weiss turned in scorecards of 116-111. Judge Steve Weisfeld had it 117-111. Although the scores were a little wide, Russell admitted immediately after that Hiraoka wasn’t an easy opponent to deal with. “I take my hat off to him for being a tough competitor and giving it his all,” Russell said in the post-fight interview. “We’re gonna go back to the gym and sharpen up our tools.”
