Soliman replaces Murdock for OPBF title fight with Nonaka
Over the past few weeks we had been expecting Japanese veteran Yuki Nonaka (37-12-3, 11) [野中悠樹] would be returning to the ring on April 6th to face Rohan Murdock (27-3, 19), in a bout for the vacant OPBF Super Middleweight title at the Sangyo Shinko Center. Sadly however that bout is now off, after Murdoch suffered a wrist injury in training, an injury that will take about 6 weeks to recover from.
Thankfully however the 46 year old Nonaka will still fight on April 6th for the OPBF title, as Australian veteran, and former world title holder, Sam Soliman (49-18-1, 19) has taken the fight on short notice, saving the show, and giving Nonaka a more notable, albeit faded, opponent.
The talented Nonaka is a true veteran of the Japanese and regional scene, having debuted in 1999, and is the oldest active boxer in Japan. Since he debuted he has Japanese and OPBF titles at 154lbs, WBO Asia and OPBF titles at 160lbs, and is now looking to become a 3 weight OPBF champion, attempting to claim the title at 168lbs.
Despite being the oldest active fighter in Japan, Nonaka is a relative spring chicken here, with Soliman being 50 years old, having made his debut in 1997. The tough, rugged Australian has genuinely been in the ring with a who's who on not just the domestic and regional scene but also the global scene, whilst making himself one of the sports great world travellers. Among the notable names Soliman has faced are the likes of Howard Eastman, Sakio Bika, Ronald "Winky" Wright, Anthony Mundine, Felix Sturm, Jermain Taylor and Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Not only has he faced a who's who, but he has also notched notable wins, winning the IBF Middleweight title back in 2014 with a win over Felix Sturm, a win that came in Germany. During his long career he has been a genuine globe trotter and has fought in Australia, the US, Fiji, the UK, Germany, The Netherlands, Japan. Sadly though he is showing his age, and has lost his last 2 bouts, with his last win coming in July 2022.
Despite the advanced age of both men, the styles of this fight should make for an interesting one, though it's fair to say both men are coming to the end of their respective careers.
We’re looking forward to this bout, and wish Rohan a speedy recovery!
Thankfully however the 46 year old Nonaka will still fight on April 6th for the OPBF title, as Australian veteran, and former world title holder, Sam Soliman (49-18-1, 19) has taken the fight on short notice, saving the show, and giving Nonaka a more notable, albeit faded, opponent.
The talented Nonaka is a true veteran of the Japanese and regional scene, having debuted in 1999, and is the oldest active boxer in Japan. Since he debuted he has Japanese and OPBF titles at 154lbs, WBO Asia and OPBF titles at 160lbs, and is now looking to become a 3 weight OPBF champion, attempting to claim the title at 168lbs.
Despite being the oldest active fighter in Japan, Nonaka is a relative spring chicken here, with Soliman being 50 years old, having made his debut in 1997. The tough, rugged Australian has genuinely been in the ring with a who's who on not just the domestic and regional scene but also the global scene, whilst making himself one of the sports great world travellers. Among the notable names Soliman has faced are the likes of Howard Eastman, Sakio Bika, Ronald "Winky" Wright, Anthony Mundine, Felix Sturm, Jermain Taylor and Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Not only has he faced a who's who, but he has also notched notable wins, winning the IBF Middleweight title back in 2014 with a win over Felix Sturm, a win that came in Germany. During his long career he has been a genuine globe trotter and has fought in Australia, the US, Fiji, the UK, Germany, The Netherlands, Japan. Sadly though he is showing his age, and has lost his last 2 bouts, with his last win coming in July 2022.
Despite the advanced age of both men, the styles of this fight should make for an interesting one, though it's fair to say both men are coming to the end of their respective careers.
We’re looking forward to this bout, and wish Rohan a speedy recovery!