Shootboxing 2011 Act 1: Osawa-Suzuki, Hironaka-Suzuki Fight Videos

Shootboxing held its first major event of the year on February 19th. Shootboxing 2011 Act 1 saw a number of intriguing bouts, including the rematch between Hiroki Shishido and Bovy Sor. Udomson, a bout between Shigeki Osawa and Hiroaki Suzuki, and a match pitting Cage Force lightweight champion Kuniyoshi Hironaka against former Japanese boxing titlist Satoru Suzuki. Videos have now hit the internet for the final two of those three bouts.

In light of Shigeki Osawa's wrestling base, most would agree that the Sengoku veteran's choice to compete in Shootboxing is an interesting one. Perhaps Toby Imada's run in the 2010 S-Cup highlighted the potential for fighters with grappling skill to find success in with the promotion. What's more, Osawa is not alone as a Japanese wrestler looking to hone his craft in a striking-based promotion, as recent reports indicate that Kazuyuki Miyata will indeed continue his venture in the world of kickboxing.

Although unable to come away with the win, I believe that Osawa acquitted himself well in this bout against Hiroaki Suzuki. He threw wildly at times, but was able to connect solidly on a few occasions and took Suzuki to the ground frequently. Suzuki managed to take this bout with superior striking and a very nice knockdown early in the bout.

As for the other bout mentioned, things started alright for Kuniyoshi Hironaka and quickly turned the other way as he tried to box with Satoru Suzuki after scoring a take down. Good, short bout that is certainly worth the watch. We'll be sure to bring you more videos as they surface.