Former Shoot Boxing Japan Women’s Flyweight Champion Ai Takahashi overcame a shaky second round and picked up her sixth straight victory on Sunday night at Shoot Boxing 2015: Act.3 in Tokyo, Japan. Takahashi edged out 16-year-old prospect Nori Date in a closely-contested bout.

Takahashi fared well in the striking exchanges throughout the fight, but Date earned a critical Shoot Point in round two after throwing Takahashi to the mat. Undeterred, the veteran Takahashi bounced back with a strong final round that propelled her to a Majority Decision win on the scorecards.

Takahashi (23-5-0 SB/KB) countered early side kicks and spinning back kicks from Date (4-3-0 SB/KB) with looping right hands that backed Date up against the ropes. Date continued to throw unorthodox kicks as the round progressed and Takahashi repeatedly scored with counterpunches. In round two, Date clinched and worked for a high-arc throw until she was eventually able to toss Takahashi to the ground. The throw earned Date a Shoot Point and put her ahead on the cards heading into round three.

With the fight up for grabs, Date clinched in search of another throw in the final round, but Takahashi punched her way free and she walked Date down with strikes. Date retreated and threw kicks, but Takahashi kept the pressure on with combinations and her late offence was enough to win the round.

The close fight went to the scorecards and one judge ruled it even at 29-29. The remaining two both saw it 29-28 for Takahashi, who eked out a close but well-deserved victory. She has won six in a row and remains one of Shoot Boxing’s top female stars.

Winner: Ai Takahashi by Majority Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-29) after three 3:00 rounds. She improves her combined shoot boxing and kickboxing record to 23-5-0.

(Photo Credit: Shoot Boxing)