Kensuke Sasaki's announcement

[niniendo warrior]

Credit to SSS:

IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Kensuke Sasaki, and his wife, Akira Hokuto, were at New Japan offices today, and Kensuke made a surprise declaration. He said that if Sapp loses or even draws his K-1 fight the day before he is to challenge Sasaki for the IWGP Heavyweight Title, he (Sasaki) will refuse to put the title on the line. Kensuke said he does not accept Sapp as a pro wrestler, and he doesn't plan to defend it if Sapp can't beat a relative unknown from the U.S. tomorrow. Meanwhile, Hokuto declared war on the Makai Club, announcing that she would second her husband and ward off any possible interference from Makai president, Kantaro Hoshino. Director Kawana, in charge of public relations, looked distressed after hearing Kensuke's words, and said he respects the champion, but that the title match is already signed and sealed.

www.puroresufan.com

"Geez, what's he doing? Champion refuses to defend the title? I think NJ need not fear about Sasaki not defending the title. Strip him off it!!!!"

[mrpayperview]

There'll be a title defence. I can't see Sapp losing his fight. And if Sasaki keeps going like that, don't be surprised to see him stripped of the title!

[edgehead1984]

That's true, but Sapp will win.

[Sofa Kingdom]

Hey guys! Bob Sapp is the new IWGP Champion!

YAAAAAAAAAAAAY!

[mrpayperview]

Tell me who couldn't see it coming

[Pheonix_Chi25]

You are kidding right?

[mrpayperview]

lol, of course i was

[Pheonix_Chi25]

Do you know New Japan has made history? I mean the first black man to ever hold a major Japanese title? I'm not playing the race card but really, this is huge.

[Hisaharu Tanabe]

Sapp is not the first black man to ever hold "a major Japanese title".

Bobo Brazil held N.W.A. International Heavyweight Title (JWA) in '68. He held the title twice. Abdullah the Butcher held PWF Heavyweight Title (All Japan) in '78. Both were the top titles for the respective promotions.

For New Japan, though, Sapp is the first black man to hold a major heavyweight title.

But then, we are talking about Japan, where having "the first black champion" isn't really a big deal.