Filipino Boxer RV Deniega Suffers Unanimous Decision Loss to Japan's Hijiri Oka in Tokyo
In a challenging bout overseas, Filipino boxer RV Deniega faced another setback as he lost to Japan's Hijiri Oka by unanimous decision on January 23, 2026. The match took place at the iconic Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan, drawing attention from boxing enthusiasts across the region.
Judges' Scores and Fight Details
The 23-year-old Oka secured victory with all three judges scoring in his favor. The official scores were 79-73, 79-73, and 78-74, reflecting Oka's dominance throughout the eight-round contest. This outcome highlights the competitive nature of the fight, with Oka maintaining control and strategy against Deniega.
Deniega's International Fight Record
This loss marks Deniega's third defeat in international competitions and his second in Japan. His first loss in Japan occurred in 2023 when he fell to Saul Sanchez by unanimous decision, with identical scores in another eight-round bout. Additionally, Deniega previously suffered an overseas loss in South Africa to Charlton Malajika by unanimous decision in an International Boxing Federation (IBF) Youth bantamweight match.
Updated Career Statistics
Following this defeat, the 26-year-old Deniega's professional record now stands at 12 wins and 3 losses, with 8 of those victories coming by knockout. On the other hand, Hijiri Oka remains undefeated, improving his record to 3 wins and 0 losses, including 2 knockouts. This result underscores the rising talent in the boxing scene and the hurdles faced by athletes competing abroad.
The match serves as a reminder of the intense competition in international boxing, with Filipino athletes like Deniega continuing to strive for success on the global stage despite setbacks.
