By - George Delis (@Delisketo) Middleweight: -Ryota Murata (14-2): WBA #4 The 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist will get his chance at revenge on July 12 as he goes up against Rob Brant (25-1) in Osaka for the WBA (Regular) World championship. Super Welterweight: -Takeshi Inoue (13-1): WBO #9 The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion unsuccessfully challenged Jaime Munguia (33-0) for the WBO World title this January. He is scheduled to return to the ring on August 3rd Lightweight: -Masayoshi Nakatani (18-0): IBF #3 / WBC #7 / WBO #14 Longtime OPBF king Nakatani takes on Teofimo Lopez (13-0), on July 19, for a future shot at the IBF World title. Super Featherweight: -Masaru Sueyoshi (19-1): WBO #3 Sueyoshi defended his Japanese championship for the 4th time, against Ken Osato (15-3), on May 4th. -Kenichi Ogawa (23-1): IBF #4 The former Japanese champion returned to ring, after his one year suspension, and defeated Roldan Aldea (12-7) this past February. He will now meet another Filipino journeyman in Glenn Medura (10-5) on July 6. -Masayuki Ito (25-2): WBO #9 / WBC #11 Ito lost his WBO title recently to Jamel Herring (20-2). Featherweight: -Satoshi Shimizu (8-0): IBF #10 The 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist won the OPBF title back in 2017 and has successfully defended it 4 times. Shimizu will next challenge the WBO Asia Pacific Super Featherweight champion Joe Noynay (17-2) on July 12. -Musashi Mori (9-0): WBO #9 Mori defended his WBO Asia Pacific title against the former champion Richard Pumicpic (21-10) on April 14. -Hiroshige Osawa (35-5): WBA #2 / IBF #14 The former OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion finds himself once again in the world rankings, since losing to WBO World champion Oscar Valdez (24-0) in 2016. He fought Indonesian journeyman Ahmad Lahizab (4-8) on April 7. -Reiya Abe (19-2): IBF #7 / WBC #10 Abe will square off with Ryo Sagawa (7-1) for the vacant Japanese title, on September 13. Super Bantamweight: -Ryosuke Iwasa (26-3): IBF #1 Iwasa won an IBF title eliminator against Cesar Juarez (24-7), on February 16. -Hiroaki Teshigawara (19-2): IBF #8 Teshigawara will mark his second defense of the OPBF championship against former world title challenger Shohei Omori (20-2) on August 8. -Shingo Wake (26-5): WBC #2 / IBF #4 / WBA #11 The former Japanese & OPBF champion has been on a 6 fight winning streak since losing to Jonathan Guzman (23-1) in 2016. -Yukinori Oguni (21-2): WBA #4 The former IBF World champion defeated Sukpraserd Ponpitak (22-10) on May 8. Bantamweight -Ryo Akaho (34-2): WBO #2 Akaho has been undefeated since 2016, amassing 8 wins. It’s worth noting that the former Japanese & OPBF champion is currently fighting at Featherweight. We aren’t 100% sure if this is a mistake by the WBO or he is intending to go down again at Bantamweight. Super Flyweight: -Akira Yaegashi (28-6): WBO #9 / WBA #11 / WBC #13 Yaegashi moved up to Super Flyweight in 2018 and has since been undefeated in the division with 3 consecutive TKO victories. -Koki Eto (24-4): WBO #2 / WBA #3 / WBC #7 / IBF #8 Eto’s KO win over Jeyvier Cintron (10-0) was called a no contest, due to an accidental headbutt. A rematch has been set for August 2nd. The victor will be next in line for a match with the newly crowned WBO World champion Kazuto Ioka (24-2). -Sho Ishida (28-1): WBO #1 / IBF #5 / WBA #5 / WBC #10 Ishida has been 4-0 since losing to Khalid Yafai (26-0) in 2017. Flyweight: -Junto Nakatani (19-0): WBC #3 / WBO #4 / WBA #8 / IBF #11 Nakatani stopped Naoki Mochizuki (15-4) in February, for the vacant Japanese crown and last fought on June 1st, against Philip Luis Cuerdo (11-7). -Masayuki Kuroda (30-8): IBF #10 / WBC #12 Kuroda went to war with Moruti Mthalane (38-2) for the IBF World title, on May 13, but couldn’t bring the belt back home. Light Flyweight: -Tetsuya Hisada (34-9): WBA #1 / WBO #3 / WBC #3 / IBF #7 Hisada has been on an impressive 13 fight winning streak. The Japanese star could very well be the 1st challenger of the new WBO champion Elwin Soto (15-1). -Kenichi Horikawa (40-15): WBC #5 / IBF #6 Horikawa won the Japanese title, on February 14, for the second time in his career. He made his inaugural defense on May 19 against Masashi Tada (13-6). -Ryoichi Taguchi (27-4): WBC #6 The former WBA & IBF champion failed to win the World championship against the WBO title holder Kosei Tanaka (13-0) on March 16. -Reiya Konishi (17-2): IBF #8 Konishi didn’t manage to capture the IBF title from Felix Alvarado (35-2) when they clashed in Japan. -Sho Kimura (18-3): WBA #8 The former WBO Flyweight World champion lost a unanimous decision to Carlos Canizales (22-0) for the WBA (Regular) World title, this May, in China. Strawweight: -Norihito Tanaka (19-7): IBF #5 / WBO #6 / WBC #7 / WBA #12 Tanaka won the Japanese title, this past January, and defended it on June 13 against Naoya Haruguchi (15-11). -Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-7): WBC #5 The former World champion came up short at his second shot against Chayaphon Moonsri (53-0) for the WBC title on May 31st. -Masataka Taniguchi (11-3): WBO #7 / WBC #15 Taniguchi unsuccessfully challenged the WBO World champion Vic Saludar (19-3) this past February. -Tsubasa Koura (14-1): WBC #10 Koura surprisingly lost his OPBF title to Lito Dante (16-10, this March.
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By - George Delis (@Delisketo) Strawweight: -Norihito Tanaka (18-7): IBF #6 / WBC #7 / WBO #10 / WBA #13 Tanaka won the Japanese title, this past January, and will defend it on June 13 against Naoya Haruguchi (15-10). -Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-7): WBC #4 The former World champion came up short at his second shot against Chayaphon Moonsri (53-0) for the WBC title on May 31st. -Masataka Taniguchi (11-3): WBO #7 Taniguchi unsuccessfully challenged the WBO World champion Vic Saludar (19-3) this past February. Light Flyweight: -Tetsuya Hisada (34-9): WBA #1 / WBO #1 / WBC #3 / IBF #7 Hisada is rumored to be challenging Angel Acosta (19-1) for the WBO title, potentially this Summer. -Kenichi Horikawa (40-18): WBC #5 / IBF #6 Horikawa won the Japanese title, on February 14, for the second time in his career. He made his inaugural defense on May 19 against Masashi Tada (13-6). -Ryoichi Taguchi (27-4): WBC #6 The former WBA & IBF champion failed to win the World championship against the WBO title holder Kosei Tanaka (13-0) on March 16. -Reiya Konishi (17-2): IBF #8 Konishi didn’t manage to capture the IBF title from Felix Alvarado (35-2) when they clashed in Japan. -Sho Kimura (18-3): WBA #8 The former WBO Flyweight World champion lost a unanimous decision to Carlos Canizales (22-0) for the WBA (Regular) World title, this May, in China. Flyweight: -Junto Nakatani (19-0): WBC #3 / WBO #4 / IBF #11 / WBA #14 Nakatani stopped Naoki Mochizuki (15-4) in February, for the vacant Japanese crown and scored a stay busy win on June 1st, against Philip Luis Cuerdo (11-7). -Masayuki Kuroda (30-8): IBF #10 Kuroda went to war with Moruti Mthalane (38-2) for the IBF World title, on May 13, but couldn’t bring the belt back home. Super Flyweight: -Kazuto Ioka (23-2): WBO #2 The 3 division world champion will meet Aston Palicte (25-2) at the Makuhari Messe arena in Japan, for the vacant WBO World championship. -Akira Yaegashi (28-6): WBA #10 / WBO #10 / WBC #14 Yaegashi moved up to Super Flyweight in 2018 and has since been undefeated in the division with 3 consecutive TKO victories. He finally makes it back into the world rankings as he aims to become a 4 division champion. -Koki Eto (24-4): WBO #4 / WBA #7 / IBF #8 Eto’s KO win over Jeyvier Cintron (10-0) on May 25th for the WBO International title got overturned, due to an accidental headbutt. -Sho Ishida (28-1): WBO #3 / IBF #5 / WBA #6 / WBC #10 Since losing to Khalid Yafai (25-0) in 2017, Ishida has earned 4 victories over the likes of Ratchanon Sawangsoda (12-3), Richard Claveras (18-6), world title contender Warlito Parrenas (26-10) as well as Ikuro Sadatsune (9-4). Super Bantamweight: -Ryosuke Iwasa (26-3): IBF #1 Iwasa won an IBF title eliminator against Cesar Juarez (23-7), on February 16. -Shingo Wake (26-5): WBC #2 / IBF #3 The former Japanese & OPBF champion has been on a 6 fight winning streak since losing to Jonathan Guzman (23-1) in 2016. -Hiroaki Teshigawara (19-2): IBF #9 / WBO #15 Teshigawara made his Super Bantamweight debut last year, stopping Glenn Suminguit (21-4) to win the OPBF championship. He marked his first successful title defense on February 14, against Yuki Iriguchi (10-3). -Yukinori Oguni (20-2): WBA #4 The former IBF World champion defeated Sukpraserd Ponpitak (22-10) on May 8. Featherweight: -Satoshi Shimizu (8-0): IBF #9 The 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist won the OPBF title back in 2017 and has successfully defended it 4 times. He will now challenge the WBO Asia Pacific Super Featherweight champion Joe Noynay (17-2) on July 12. -Musashi Mori (9-0): WBO #9 Mori defended his WBO Asia Pacific title against the former champion Richard Pumicpic (21-10) on April 14. -Hiroshige Osawa (35-5): WBA #1 / IBF #13 The former OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion finds himself once again in the world rankings, since losing to WBO World champion Oscar Valdez (24-0) in 2016. He fought Indonesian journeyman Ahmad Lahizab (4-8) on April 7. -Reiya Abe (19-2): IBF #5 / WBC #13 Abe fought the Japanese champion Taiki Minamoto (16-5), on May 1st, to a draw. Super Featherweight: -Masaru Sueyoshi (19-1): WBO #3 Sueyoshi defended his Japanese championship for the 4th time, against Ken Osato (15-3), on May 4th. -Kenichi Ogawa (23-1): IBF #4 The former Japanese champion returned to ring, after his one year suspension, and defeated Roldan Aldea (12-7) this past February. Ogawa will face the undefeated IBF Intercontinental champion Azinga Fuzile (14-0) in an IBF world title eliminator, on July 6, at the Korakuen Hall in Japan. Lightweight: -Masayoshi Nakatani (18-0): IBF #3 / WBC #8 / WBO #10 Nakatani marked his 11th successful OPBF title defense this past December, by stopping former WBC International champion Hurricane Futa (25-8). He takes on Teofimo Lopez (13-0), on July 6, for a future shot at the IBF World championship. -Nihito Arakawa (32-7): WBO #8 The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion failed to obtain the WBO International title from Denys Berinchyk (11-0) on April 20. Super Welterweight: -Takeshi Inoue (13-1): WBO #9 The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion unsuccessfully challenged Jaime Munguia (32-0) for the WBO World title this January. He is scheduled to return to the ring on August 3rd. Middleweight: -Ryota Murata (14-2): WBA #4 The 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist will get his chance for revenge on July 12 as he goes up against Rob Brant (25-1) in Osaka for the WBA (Regular) World championship. Heavyweight: -Kyotaro Fujimoto (20-1): WBO #9 / WBA #12 The former K-1 champion has unified the Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific Heavyweight titles. He is now looking for a World championship fight before he retires from the sport. (Image courtesy of boxingnews.jp) By - George Delis (@Delisketo) Strawweight: -Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-6): WBC #4 The former World champion will get another shot at Chayaphon Moonsri (52-0) and the WBC title, May 31st in Thailand. -Masataka Taniguchi (11-3): WBO #6 Taniguchi defeated Joel Lino (10-1), back in November, for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title. He unsuccessfully challenged Vic Saludar (19-3) on February 26 for the WBO World title. - Norihito Tanaka (18-7): WBC #7 / IBF #9 / WBO #9 / WBA #13 Tanaka won the Japanese title, this past January, and will defend it on June 13 against Naoya Haruguchi (15-10). Light Flyweight: -Sho Kimura (18-2): WBA #2 The former WBO Flyweight World champion dominated Thai veteran Wicha Phulaikhao (60-11) on March 30. In a surprising move, Kimura decided to move to the Light Flyweight division and he will now challenge Carlos Canizales (21-0) for the WBA (Regular) World championship on May 26, in the country he became famous China. -Reiya Konishi (17-1): IBF #3 / WBC #6 The WBO Asia Pacific champion will clash with Felix Alvarado (34-2) for the IBF World title, on May 19. -Tetsuya Hisada (34-9): WBA #1 / WBO #1 / WBC #3 / IBF #8 Hisada is rumored to be challenging Angel Acosta (19-1) for the WBO title, potentially this Summer. -Kenichi Horikawa (39-18): WBC #5 / IBF #7 Horikawa won Japanese title, on February 14, for the second time in his career. He will make his inaugural defense on May 19 against Masashi Tada (13-5). Flyweight: -Masayuki Kuroda (30-7): IBF #4 Kuroda, who is currently on a 6 fight winning streak, will meet Moruti Mthalane (37-2) for the IBF World title on May 13. -Junto Nakatani (18-0): WBO #3 / WBC #3 / IBF #12 / WBA #15 Nakatani stopped Naoki Mochizuki (15-4), on February 2nd, for the vacant Japanese crown. He will mark his first defense against Wolf Nakano (6-7) on June 1st. Super Flyweight: -Kazuto Ioka (23-2): WBO #2 / WBC #4 The 3 division world champion will meet Aston Palicte (25-2) at the Makuhari Messe arena in Japan, for the vacant WBO World championship. -Akira Yaegashi (28-6): WBA #9 / WBO #10 Yaegashi moved up to Super Flyweight in 2018 and has since been undefeated in the division with 3 consecutive TKO victories. He finally makes it back in the world rankings as he aims to become a 4 division champion. -Koki Eto (24-4): WBO #4 / WBA #7 / IBF #8 / WBC #9 Eto’s getting closer to the world title again as he faces Jeyvier Cintron (10-0) on May 25th for the right to challenge the winner of Ioka/Palicte. -Sho Ishida (28-1): WBO #3 / IBF #5 / WBA #6 / WBC #11 Since losing to Khalid Yafai (25-0) in 2017, Ishida has earned 4 victories over the likes of Ratchanon Sawangsoda (12-3), Richard Claveras (18-6), world title contender Warlito Parrenas (26-9) as well as Ikuro Sadatsune (9-4). Super Bantamweight: -Ryosuke Iwasa (26-3): IBF #1 Iwasa won an IBF title eliminator against Cesar Juarez (23-7), on February 16. -Shingo Wake (26-5): WBC #2 / IBF #3 The former Japanese & OPBF champion has been on a 6 fight winning streak since losing to Jonathan Guzman (23-1) in 2016. -Hiroaki Teshigawara (19-2): IBF #9 / WBO #15 Teshigawara made his Super Bantamweight debut last year, stopping Glenn Suminguit (21-4) to win the OPBF championship. He marked his first successful title defense on February 14, against Yuki Iriguchi (10-3). -Yukinori Oguni (20-2): WBA #4 The former IBF World champion will compete on May 8, in Japan, as he takes on Sukpraserd Ponpitak (22-9). Featherweight: -Shun Kubo (13-1): WBA #10 The former WBA Super Bantamweight World champion moved up a weight class last year, defeating Hiroshige Osawa on his Featherweight debut. He will now get the opportunity to challenge Can Xu (16-2), in China, for the WBA (Regular) World title on May 26. -Satoshi Shimizu (8-0): IBF #3 The 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist has made 3 successful title defenses of the OPBF crown in 2018, against Kyung Min Kwon (6-5), Shingo Kawamura (16-5) and Takuya Uehara (16-1). -Hiroshige Osawa (35-5): WBA #1 / IBF #13 The former OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion finds himself once again in the world rankings, since losing to WBO World champion Oscar Valdez (24-0) in 2016. He fought Indonesian journeyman Ahmad Lahizab (4-8) on April 7. -Reiya Abe (19-2): IBF #4 / WBC #9 Abe fought the Japanese champion Taiki Minamoto (16-5), on May 1st, to a draw. Super Featherweight: -Masaru Sueyoshi (19-1): WBO #3 Sueyoshi defended his Japanese championship for the 4th time, against Ken Osato (15-3), on May 4th. -Kenichi Ogawa (23-1): IBF #4 The former Japanese champion returned to ring, after his one year suspension, and defeated Roldan Aldea (12-7) on February 2nd. Ogawa is expected to face the undefeated IBF Intercontinental champion Azinga Fuzile (14-0) in an IBF world title eliminator. Lightweight: -Masayoshi Nakatani (18-0): IBF #3 / WBC #8 / WBO #12 Nakatani marked his 11th successful OPBF title defense this past December, by stopping former WBC International champion Hurricane Futa (25-8). He takes on Teofimo Lopez (13-0), on July 19, for a future shot at the IBF World championship. -Nihito Arakawa (32-7): WBO #8 The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion failed to obtain the WBO International title from Denys Berinchyk (11-0) on April 20. Super Welterweight: -Takeshi Inoue (13-1): WBO #9 The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion unsuccessfully challenged Jaime Munguia (32-0) for the WBO World title this January. He is scheduled to return to the ring on August 3rd. Middleweight: -Ryota Murata (14-2): WBA #3 / WBC #5 / WBO #9 The 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist will get his chance for revenge on July 12 as he goes up against Rob Brant (25-1) in Osaka for the WBA (Regular) World championship. Heavyweight: -Kyotaro Fujimoto (20-1): WBO #10 / WBA #11 The former K-1 champion has unified the Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific Heavyweight titles. He is now looking for a World championship fight before he retires from the sport. By - George Delis (@Delisketo) Strawweight: -Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-6): WBC #5 The former World champion will get another shot at Chayaphon Moonsri (52-0) and the WBC title, on April 24, in Thailand. -Tsubasa Koura (14-1): WBC #3 / WBA #7 / WBO #9 In a shocking turn of events, Koura lost his OPBF title to the unheralded Lito Dante (16-10) on March 31st. -Masataka Taniguchi (11-3): WBO #6 Taniguchi defeated Joel Lino (10-1), back in November, for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title. He unsuccessfully challenged Vic Saludar (19-3) on February 26 for the WBO World title. - Norihito Tanaka (18-7): IBF #9 / WBC #9 / WBO #10 / WBA #13 Tanaka won the Japanese title, this past January, for the first time in his career. Light Flyweight: -Tetsuya Hisada (33-9): WBA #1 / WBO #1 / WBC #3 / IBF #9 Hisada is rumored to be challenging Angel Acosta (19-1) for the WBO title, potentially this Summer. -Reiya Konishi (17-1): IBF #3 / WBA #4 / WBO #4 / WBC #6 The WBO Asia Pacific champion will clash with Felix Alvarado (34-2) for the IBF World title, on May 19. -Kenichi Horikawa (39-18): WBC #5 Horikawa ended 2018 with a 4-0 record. He beat Satoru Todaka (9-3) on February 14, to win the Japanese title for the second time in his career. Flyweight: -Sho Kimura (18-2): WBO #5 The former WBO World champion dominated Wicha Phulaikhao (60-11) on March 30 to win the vacant OPBF Silver title. -Junto Nakatani (18-0): WBC #4 / WBO #4 / IBF #12 / WBA #15 The unstoppable Japanese prospect has fought 4 times in 2018 and has won all of his bouts, 2 of them via KO. He finally won his first championship, when he stopped Naoki Mochizuki (15-4), on February 2nd, for the vacant Japanese crown. -Masayuki Kuroda (30-7): IBF #4 Kuroda, who is currently on a 6 fight winning streak, will meet Moruti Mthalane (37-2) for the IBF World title on May 13. Super Flyweight: -Kazuto Ioka (23-2): WBO #2 / WBC #3 The 3 division world champion will take on Aston Palicte (25-2) for the vacant WBO title, on June 19, in Japan. -Ryuichi Funai (31-7): IBF #1 / WBO #3 The former Japanese & WBO Asia Pacific champion will challenge Jerwin Ancajas (30-1) for the IBF World title, on May 4th. -Sho Ishida (27-1): IBF #5/ WBO #4 / WBA #6 / WBC #11 Since losing to the WBA world champion Khalid Yafai (25-0) in 2017, Ishida has won all of his 2018 bouts, against Ratchanon Sawangsoda (12-3), Richard Claveras (18-6), as well as former world title contender Warlito Parrenas (26-9). -Koki Eto (24-4): WBO #5 / WBC #8 / WBA #7 / IBF #9 The former interim WBA Flyweight World champion has been on a 7 fight winning streak, since losing to Carlos Cuadras (37-3) in 2015. He is expected to be involved in a WBO Eliminator against Jeyvier Cintron (10-0). -Daigo Higa (15-1): WBA #5 The former WBC Flyweight World champion is expected to make his return to the ring at some point this year. Super Bantamweight: -Ryosuke Iwasa (26-3): IBF #1 Iwasa won an IBF title eliminator against Cesar Juarez (23-7), on February 16. -Shingo Wake (26-5): WBC #2 / IBF #3 The former Japanese & OPBF champion has been on a 6 fight winning streak since losing to Jonathan Guzman (23-1) in 2016. -Hiroaki Teshigawara (19-2): IBF #8 / WBO #15 Teshigawara made his Super Bantamweight debut last year, stopping Glenn Suminguit (21-4) to win the OPBF championship. He marked his first successful title defense on February 14, against Yuki Iriguchi (10-3). -Yukinori Oguni (20-2): WBA #4 After losing his World title in 2017, Oguni has picked only one victory in 2018. He’s scheduled to compete on May 8. (Opponent TBA) Featherweight: -Satoshi Shimizu (8-0): IBF #3 The 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist has made 3 successful title defenses of the OPBF crown in 2018, against Kyung Min Kwon (6-5), Shingo Kawamura (16-5) and Takuya Uehara (16-1). -Hiroshige Osawa (34-5): WBA #1 / IBF #13 The former OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion finds himself once again in the world rankings, since losing to WBO World champion Oscar Valdez (24-0) in 2016. He will fight Indonesian journeyman Ahmad Lahizab (4-7) on April 7. -Reiya Abe (19-2): IBF #4 / WBC #9 Abe is the number 1 contender for Taiki Minamoto’s (16-5) Japanese title. These 2 men will collide at the 2019 Champion Carnival, on May 1st. -Shun Kubo (13-1): WBA #10 / WBC #12 The former WBA Super Bantamweight World champion moved up a weight class last year, defeating Hiroshige Osawa in his Featherweight debut on April of 2018. Super Featherweight: -Masaru Sueyoshi (18-1): WBO #4 Sueyoshi will defend his Japanese championship for a 4th time, against Ken Osato (15-2), on May 4th. -Kenichi Ogawa (23-1): IBF #4 The former Japanese champion returned to ring, after his one year suspension, and defeated Roldan Aldea (12-7) on February 2nd. Lightweight: -Nihito Arakawa (32-6): WBO #7 The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion will challenge Denys Berinchyk (10-0) for the WBO International title, on April 20. -Masayoshi Nakatani (18-0): IBF #3 / WBC #8 / WBO #12 Nakatani marked his 11th successful OPBF title defense this past December, when he stopped the former WBC International champion Hurricane Futa (25-8) in round 6. Welterweight -Keita Obara (20-4-1): IBF #10 / WBO #15 Obara lost to the undefeated former WBC Silver champion Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (16-0), on March 30, in an IBF world title eliminator. Super Welterweight: -Takeshi Inoue (13-1): WBO #8 The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion unsuccessfully challenged Jaime Munguia (32-0) for the WBO World title, on January 26. Middleweight: -Ryota Murata (14-2): WBA #3 / WBC #4 / IBF #6 The 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist & former WBA (Regular) World champion will be returning to the ring soon, probably this May. Heavyweight: -Kyotaro Fujimoto (20-1): WBO #10 / WBA #10 The former K-1 champion has unified the Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific Heavyweight titles. He is now looking for a World championship fight before he retires from the sport. (Image courtesy of Celes Gym) By - George Delis (@Delisketo) Strawweight: -Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-6): WBC #6 The former World champion will get another shot at Chayaphon Moonsri (52-0) and the WBC title, on March 29, in Thailand. -Tsubasa Koura (14-0): WBC #3 / WBA #8 / WBO #10 / IBF #11 Koura has been the OPBF champion since 2017 and has marked 3 successful title defenses. His next one will take place on March 31st, against Lito Dante (15-10). -Masataka Taniguchi (11-3): WBO #2 Taniguchi defeated Joel Lino (10-1), back in November, for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title. He unsuccessfully challenged Vic Saludar (19-3) on February 26 for the WBO World title. - Norihito Tanaka (18-7): WBC #10 / IBF #12 / WBA #13 Tanaka won the Japanese title, this past January, for the first time in his career. -Shin Ono (23-10): WBO #4 Ono lost his Japanese title to Norihito Tanaka (18-7) on January 12. Light Flyweight: -Tetsuya Hisada (33-9): WBA #1 / WBO #2 / WBC #2 / IBF #9 After recording a 5th successful Japanese title defense in November, before vacating the belt, Hisada is now rumored to fight Carlos Canizales (21-0) for the WBA (Regular) World championship. -Reiya Konishi (17-1): WBA #3 / IBF #3 / WBO #4 / WBC #5 The WBO Asia Pacific champion will clash with Felix Alvarado (34-2) for the IBF World title, either in April or May. Kenichi Horikawa (39-18): WBC #6 Horikawa ended 2018 with a 4-0 record. He beat Satoru Todaka (9-3) on February 14, to win the Japanese title for the second time in his career. Flyweight: -Ryoichi Taguchi (27-3): WBO #4 The former IBF & WBA Light Flyweight World champion is moving up a weight class to challenge Kosei Tanaka (12-0), for the WBO strap, on March 16. -Junto Nakatani (18-0): WBC #4 / WBO #9 / IBF #13 / WBA #14 The unstoppable Japanese prospect has fought 4 times in 2018 and has won all of his bouts, 2 of them via KO. He finally won his first championship, when he stopped Naoki Mochizuki (15-4), on February 2nd, for the vacant Japanese crown. -Masayuki Kuroda (30-7): WBO #3 / IBF #4 Kuroda, who is currently on a 6 fight winning streak, will meet Moruti Mthalane (37-2) for the IBF World title on May 13. -Sho Kimura (17-2): WBO #6 The former WBO World champion lost his title to Kosei Tanaka (12-0) this past September, in a FOTY candidate. He will now go up against Thai veteran Wicha Phulaikhao (60-10) for the vacant OPBF Silver title, on March 30. Super Flyweight: -Ryuichi Funai (31-7): IBF #1 / WBO #3 / WBC #11 The former Japanese & WBO Asia Pacific champion will challenge Jerwin Ancajas (30-1) for the IBF World title, either on April 12 or April 20. -Sho Ishida (27-1): IBF #5/ WBO #5 / WBA #7 / WBC #11 Since losing to the WBA world champion Khalid Yafai (25-0) in 2017, Ishida has won all of his 2018 bouts, against Ratchanon Sawangsoda (12-3), Richard Claveras (18-6), as well as former world title contender Warlito Parrenas (26-9). -Kazuto Ioka (23-2): WBC #3 / WBO #4 Ioka debuted at the Super Flyweight division this past September, defeating McWilliams Arroyo (17-4) to become the WBC Silver champion. In December, he fought Donnie Nietes (42-1), for the vacant WBO World title, losing a very close decision. He is rumored to be facing Aston Palicte (25-2) for the same championship again. -Koki Eto (24-4): WBO #6 / WBC #7 / WBA #8 / IBF #9 The former interim WBA Flyweight World champion has been on a 7 fight winning streak, since losing to Carlos Cuadras (37-3) in 2015. -Daigo Higa (15-1): WBA #6 The former WBC Flyweight World champion is expected to make his return to the ring in 2019. Super Bantamweight: -Ryosuke Iwasa (26-3): IBF #1 Iwasa won an IBF title eliminator against Cesar Juarez (23-7), on February 16. He now has the opportunity to challenge TJ Doheny (21-0) and to reclaim his World championship. -Shingo Wake (26-5): IBF #3 / WBC #4 The former Japanese & OPBF champion has been on a 6 fight winning streak since losing to Jonathan Guzman (23-1) in 2016. -Hiroaki Teshigawara (19-2): IBF #9 Teshigawara made his Super Bantamweight debut last year, stopping Glenn Suminguit (21-4) to win the OPBF championship. He marked his first successful title defense on February 14, against Yuki Iriguchi (10-3). -Yukinori Oguni (20-2): WBA #4 After losing his World title in 2017, Oguni has picked only one victory in 2018. He’s scheduled to fight on May 8. (Opponent TBA) Featherweight: -Satoshi Shimizu (8-0): IBF #3 [Pictured] The 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist has made 3 successful title defenses of the OPBF crown in 2018, against Kyung Min Kwon (6-5), Shingo Kawamura (16-5) and Takuya Uehara (16-1). -Hiroshige Osawa (34-5): WBA #5 / IBF #13 The former OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion finds himself once again in the world rankings, since losing to WBO World champion Oscar Valdez (24-0) in 2016. -Reiya Abe (19-2): IBF #4 / WBC #13 Abe is the number 1 contender for Taiki Minamoto’s (16-5) Japanese title. These 2 men will collide at the 2019 Champion Carnival, on May 1st. Super Featherweight: -Masaru Sueyoshi (18-1): WBO #4 Sueyoshi will defend his Japanese championship, for a fourth time, against Ken Osato (15-2), on May 4th. -Kenichi Ogawa (23-1): IBF #5 The former Japanese champion returned to ring, after his one year suspension, to defeat Roldan Aldea (12-7) on February 2nd. Lightweight: -Masayoshi Nakatani (18-0): IBF #3 / WBC #9 / WBO #10 Nakatani marked his 11th successful OPBF title defense in December, when he stopped the former WBC International champion Hurricane Futa (25-8) in round 6. He is rumored to face former EBU European & WBA Intercontinental champion Edis Tatli (31-2) in an IBF world title eliminator. -Nihito Arakawa (31-6): WBO #7 The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion is looking for his second world title opportunity in 2019. Super Lightweight: -Hiroki Okada (19-1): WBC #10 The formerly undefeated Japanese & WBO Asia Pacific champion lost to Raymundo Beltran (36-8), on February 10, in the States. Welterweight -Keita Obara (20-3): IBF #5 / WBO #15 The 2 time WBO Asia Pacific champion will face the undefeated former WBC Silver champion Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (15-0), on March 30, in an IBF world title eliminator. Middleweight: -Ryota Murata (14-2): WBC #4 / WBA #6 / IBF #6 The 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist lost his WBA (Regular) World title to Rob Brant (25-1) this past October. Rumor has it that he will return to the ring this May in Japan. Heavyweight: -Kyotaro Fujimoto (20-1): WBO #8 / WBA #10 The former K-1 champion has unified the Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific Heavyweight titles. By - George Delis (@Delisketo) Strawweight: -Masataka Taniguchi (11-2): WBO #2 / WBC #18 Taniguchi defeated Joel Lino (10-1), back in November, for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title. He will challenge Vic Saludar (18-3) on February 26 for the WBO title. -Tsubasa Koura (14-0): WBC #3 / WBA #8 / WBO #9 / IBF #11 Koura has been the OPBF champion since 2017 and has marked 3 successful title defenses. He is expected to face Simphiwe Khonco (19-5) in a WBC World title eliminator. -Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-6): WBO #3 / WBC #6 The former World champion will get another shot at Chayaphon Moonsri (52-0) and the WBC title, on March 1st, in Thailand. (Ed's note - This bout is now set to be rescheduled for March 29th) -Shin Ono (23-10): WBO #5 / WBC #29 Ono lost his Japanese title to Norihito Tanaka (18-7) on January 12. Light Flyweight: -Tetsuya Hisada (33-9): WBA #1 / WBO #2 / WBC #2 / IBF #9 After recording a 5th successful Japanese title defense in November, before vacating the belt, Hisada is now rumored to fight Carlos Canizales (21-0) for the WBA (Regular) World championship. -Reiya Konishi (17-1): IBF #4 / WBA #4 / WBO #4 / WBC #6 The WBO Asia Pacific champion will clash with Felix Alvarado (34-2) for the IBF World title, either in March or in April. Kenichi Horikawa (35-18): WBC #7 Horikawa ended 2018 with a 4-0 record. The former Japanese & WBO Asia Pacific champion’s next opponent will be Satoru Todaka (9-2), whom he will meet on February 14, for the vacant Japanese title. Flyweight: -Ryoichi Taguchi (27-3): WBO #4 The former IBF & WBA Light Flyweight World champion is moving up a weight class to challenge Kosei Tanaka (12-0), for the WBO strap, on March 16. -Junto Nakatani (18-0): WBC #4 / WBO #10 / IBF #13 / WBA #14 The unstoppable Japanese prospect has fought 4 times in 2018 and has won all of his bouts, 2 of them via KO. He finally won his first championship, when he stopped Naoki Mochizuki (15-4), on February 2nd, for the vacant Japanese crown. -Masayuki Kuroda (30-7): WBO #3 / IBF #4 Kuroda has recently vacated his Japanese title as his has set his sights on the World championship. He is rumored to meet Moruti Mthalane (37-2) for the IBF title in 2019. -Sho Kimura (17-2): WBO #6 The former WBO World champion lost his title to Kosei Tanaka (12-0) this past September, in a FOTY candidate. No word yet as to what’s next for him at the moment. Super Flyweight: -Ryuichi Funai (31-7): IBF #1 / WBO #4 / WBC #11 Funai stopped Victor Olivo (15-3) in an IBF world title eliminator, this past November, to become the number 1 contender for Jerwin Ancajas’s (30-1) title. -Sho Ishida (27-1): IBF #4 / WBO #6 / WBA #7 / WBC #12 Since losing to the WBA world champion Khalid Yafai (25-0) in 2017, Ishida has won all of his 2018 bouts, against Ratchanon Sawangsoda (12-3), Richard Claveras (18-6), as well as former world title contender Warlito Parrenas (26-9). -Kazuto Ioka (23-2): WBC #3 / WBO #5 Ioka debuted at the Super Flyweight division this past September, defeating McWilliams Arroyo (17-4) to become the WBC Silver champion. In December, he fought Donnie Nietes (42-1), for the vacant WBO World title, losing a very close decision. -Koki Eto (24-4): WBC #6 / WBO #7 / WBA #8 / IBF #12 The former interim WBA Flyweight World champion has been on a 7 fight winning streak, since losing to Carlos Cuadras (37-3) in 2015. -Daigo Higa (15-1): WBA #6 The former WBC Flyweight World champion is expected to make his return to the ring in 2019. Super Bantamweight: -Ryosuke Iwasa (25-3): IBF #3 Iwasa will square off against Cesar Juarez (23-6) in an IBF world title eliminator, on February 16. If he wins, he will be one step closer to regaining his championship. -Shingo Wake (26-5): IBF #4 / WBC #4 The former Japanese & OPBF champion has been on a 6 fight winning streak since losing to Jonathan Guzman (23-1) in 2016. -Yukinori Oguni (20-2): WBA #4 After losing his World title in 2017, Oguni has picked only one victory in 2018. Featherweight: -Satoshi Shimizu (8-0): IBF #3 The 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist has made 3 successful title defenses of the OPBF crown in 2018, against Kyung Min Kwon (6-5), Shingo Kawamura (16-5) and Takuya Uehara (16-1). -Hiroshige Osawa (34-5): WBA #8 / IBF #13 The former OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion finds himself once again in the world rankings, since losing to WBO World champion Oscar Valdez (24-0) in 2016. -Reiya Abe (19-2): IBF #4 / WBC #12 Abe is the number 1 contender for Taiki Minamoto’s (16-5) Japanese title. These 2 men will collide at the 2019 Champion Carnival, on May 1st. Super Featherweight: -Masaru Sueyoshi (18-1): WBO #4 Sueyoshi will defend his Japanese championship, for a fourth time, against Ken Osato (15-2), on May 4th. Lightweight: -Masayoshi Nakatani (18-0): IBF #4 / WBC #8 / WBO #9 Nakatani marked his 11th successful OPBF title defense in December, when he stopped the former WBC International champion Hurricane Futa (25-8) in round 6. He is rumored to face former EBU European & WBA Intercontinental champion Edis Tatli (31-2) in an IBF world title eliminator. -Nihito Arakawa (31-6): WBO #6 The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion is looking for his second world title opportunity in 2019. Super Lightweight: -Hiroki Okada (19-0): WBO #2 / WBA #3 / IBF #5 / WBC #9 Okada’s toughest challenge to date will take place on February 10, as the undefeated Japanese superstar takes on the former WBO Lightweight World champion Raymundo Beltran (35-8), in a WBC world title eliminator. -Akihiro Kondo (31-7): IBF #4 The former WBO Asia Pacific champion will be involved in an IBF world title eliminator, against the IBF Pan Pacific champion Apinun Khongsong (14-0), on February 18. Welterweight -Keita Obara (20-3): IBF #6 / WBO #13 The 2 time WBO Asia Pacific champion will face the undefeated former WBC Silver champion Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (15-0), on March 30, in an IBF world title eliminator. Super Welterweight: -Takeshi Inoue (13-1): WBO #3 The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion unsuccessfully challenged Jaime Munguia (32-0) for the WBO World title, on January 26. Middleweight: -Ryota Murata (14-2): WBC #4 / IBF #6 / WBA #7 The 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist lost his WBA (Regular) World title to Rob Brant (24-1) this past October, and once again finds himself in the position of the title chaser. Heavyweight: -Kyotaro Fujimoto (20-1): WBO #7 / WBA #11 / WBC #27 The former K-1 champion has unified the Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific Heavyweight titles. By - George Delis (@Delisketo) Heavyweight: -Kyotaro Fujimoto (20-1): WBO #6 / WBA #11 The former K-1 champion and the unified OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific title holder recently defended his belts twice in 2018. Middleweight: -Ryota Murata (14-2): IBF #6 / WBC #6 / WBA #7 The 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist lost his WBA world title to Rob Brant in October, and once again finds himself in the position of the title chaser. Super Welterweight / Jr Middleweight: -Takeshi Inoue (13-0): WBO #3 The undefeated 4-year veteran and the unified OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion will challenge Jaime Munguia (31-0) for the WBO World title, on January 26, in Texas. Welterweight -Keita Obara (20-3): IBF #6 / WBO #15 After avenging his shocking loss to Alvin Lagumbay (10-4) and regained the WBO Asia Pacific championship, Obara was set to takes on the undefeated former WBC Silver champion Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (15-0), on January 4th, in an IBF world title eliminator, but the match never happened. No updates yet if it will be rescheduled or not. Super Lightweight / Jr Welterweight: -Hiroki Okada (19-0): WBO #2 / WBA #3 / IBF #5 / WBC #9 The former Japanese & WBO Asia Pacific champion made his US debut this past September, against Cristian Rafael Coria (28-7), winning via unanimous decision. Okada is rumored to face the former WBO Lightweight World champion Raymundo Beltran (35-8) on February 10. -Akihiro Kondo (31-7): IBF #4 Since losing to Sergey Lipinets (14-1) in 2017, Kondo has won his last 2 fights against the debuting Rikhit Thunritsa and Tatsuya Miyazaki (9-12). He will meet the undefeated IBF Pan Pacific champion Apinun Khongsong (14-0), on February 18, in an IBF world title eliminator. Lightweight: -Masayoshi Nakatani (18-0): IBF #5 / WBC #7 / WBO #10 Nakatani marked his 11th successful OPBF title defense recently, when he stopped the WBC International champion Hurricane Futa (25-8) in round 6. He is rumored to face former EBU European & WBA Intercontinental champion Edis Tatli (31-2) in an IBF world title eliminator. -Nihito Arakawa (31-6): WBO #4 The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion is looking for his second world title opportunity in 2019. Super Featherweight/ Jr Lightweight: -Masaru Sueyoshi (18-1): WBO #6 Sueyoshi has defended his Japanese title thrice this year. His next one will probably be a rematch with Ken Osato (15-2) in early 2019. Featherweight: -Satoshi Shimizu (8-0): IBF #3 The 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist has marked 3 successful title defenses of the OPBF crown in 2018, against Kyung Min Kwon (6-5), Shingo Kawamura (16-5) and Takuya Uehara (16-1). -Reiya Abe (18-2): IBF #4 / WBC #12 Abe is the number 1 contender for Taiki Minamoto’s (16-5) Japanese title. These 2 will collide at the 2019 Champion Carnival, on May 1st, but before that the young lion has another match set first against Daisuke Sugita (4-0) on January 12. Super Bantamweight / Jr Featherweight: -Shingo Wake (25-5): IBF #4 / WBC #4 The 12 year veteran has re-established himself at the top of the division after stopping Yusaku Kuga (17-3) in July to win the Japanese title. However, Wake recently vacated his belt and he is rumored to face a world champion in 2019. Until then, he will square off against Takafumi Nakajima (29-11) on January 19. -Ryosuke Iwasa (25-3): IBF #3 / WBC #14 Iwasa lost his IBF world title to DJ Doheny (20-0) this past August. Rumor has it that he maybe fighting Cesar Juarez (23-6) in an IBF world title eliminator in the near future. -Ryohei Takahashi (16-3): IBF #10 Takahashi won the IBF Pan Pacific championship from Pipat Chaiporn (45-12) back in June and defended it against Shingo Kusano (11-7) in September. -Yukinori Oguni (20-2): WBA #6 After losing his World title in 2017, Oguni has picked only one victory in 2018. Super Flyweight / Jr Bantamweight: -Kazuto Ioka (23-2): WBO #3 Ioka debuted at the Super Flyweight division this past September, defeating McWilliams Arroyo (17-4) to become the WBC Silver champion. In December, he fought Donnie Nietes (42-1), for the vacant WBO Super Flyweight World title, losing a very close decision. -Koki Eto (23-4): WBC #5 / WBO #8 / WBA #8 / IBF #12 The former interim WBA Flyweight World champion has fought and won twice in 2018 against lesser opponents. -Ryuichi Funai (31-7): IBF #1 / WBO #6 / WBC #10 Funai stopped Victor Olivo (15-3) in an IBF world title eliminator, this past November, to become the number 1 contender. However, if the rumored Jerwin Ancajas (30-1) vs. Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (47-4) fight takes place, Funai might have to wait for a few months more before he receives his opportunity. -Sho Ishida (27-1): IBF #4 / WBO #7 / WBA #7 / WBC #13 Since losing to the WBA world champion Khalid Yafai (25-0) in 2017, Ishida has won all of his 2018 bouts, against Ratchanon Sawangsoda (12-3), Richard Claveras (18-6), as well as former world title contender Warlito Parrenas (26-9). -Daigo Higa (15-1): WBA #6 The former WBC Flyweight World Champion has been suspended for the majority of 2018, since failing to make weight in his last title fight. Recently though, there have been rumors of his upcoming return, including training videos of him, and with his inclusion to the WBA rankings, it’s almost a certainty that we will see Okinawa’s favorite son back to the rings this year. Flyweight: -Junto Nakatani (17-0): WBC #4 / WBO #10 The unstoppable Japanese prospect has fought 4 times in 2018 and has won all of his bouts, 2 of them via KO. He will finally compete for a championship belt when he faces Naoki Mochizuki (15-3), on February 2nd, for the vacant Japanese crown. -Sho Kimura (17-2): WBO #5 The former WBO World champion lost his title to Kosei Tanaka (12-0) this past September, in a FOTY candidate. Already ranked at the top 10 of the WBO, he will probably find himself in a championship match again very soon. -Masayuki Kuroda (30-7): WBC #3 / WBO #3 / IBF #4 Kuroda has recently vacated his Japanese title as his has set his sights on the World championship. He is rumored to meet Moruti Mthalane (37-2) for the IBF title in 2019. Light Flyweight: -Tetsuya Hisada (33-9): WBA #1 / WBO #2 / WBC #2 / IBF #11 Hisada recorded a 5th successful Japanese title defense in November, before vacating the belt. Ranked at the top of the division all year long, it will be a surprise if he doesn’t fight for a World championship in 2019. -Ryoichi Taguchi (27-3): WBC #3 / WBA #3 / IBF #7 Taguchi could be challenging Kosei Tanaka (12-0) for the WBO World title this Spring. -Reiya Konishi (17-1): IBF #3 / WBA #4 / WBO #4 / WBC #14 After losing a decision to Carlos Canizales (21-0), for the WBA world title, Konishi came back in July and knocked out Orlie Silvestre (12-5) to become the new WBO Asia Pacific champion. His first successful title defense took place on December 1st, against Richard Rosales (13-8). Kenichi Horikawa (35-18): WBC #6 Horikawa ends 2018 with a 4-0 record. Minimumweight: -Tsubasa Koura (14-0): WBC #3 / IBF #4 / WBA #10 / WBO #9 Koura defended his OPBF title, for the 3rd time, against Daiki Tomita (12-1) in September. He is now set to face Simphiwe Khonco (19-5) in a WBC World title eliminator (date TBA). -Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-6): WBO #3 / WBC #6 / IBF #14 Fukuhara has been victorious in both of his 2018 bouts. -Shin Ono (23-9): WBO #5 / IBF #12 / WBA #13 / WBC #13 Ono marked his first successful Japanese title defense against former world title contender Riku Kano (14-4) in August. He will make his second one against Norihito Tanaka (17-7), on January 12. -Masataka Taniguchi (11-2): WBO #2 / IBF #6 Taniguchi recently defeated Joel Lino (10-1) for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title. It’s almost certain that he will take on Vic Saludar (18-3) on February 25th for the WBO title. (Image courtesy of World Sport Boxing) By - George Delis (@Delisketo) Heavyweight: -Kyotaro Fujimoto (20-1): WBO #6 / WBC #20 The former K-1 champion and the unified OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific title holder recently defended his belts against Suthat Kalalek (12-10). Middleweight: -Ryota Murata (14-2): WBA #7 / IBF #7 The 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist lost his WBA world title to Rob Brant, on October 20, and once again finds himself in the position of the title chaser. No word yet as to what’s next for the Japanese superstar. Super Welterweight / Jr Middleweight: -Takeshi Inoue (13-0): IBF #2 / WBO #3 / WBC #19 The undefeated 4-year veteran and the unified OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion will challenge Jaime Munguia (31-0) for the WBO World title, on January 26, in Texas. Welterweight -Keita Obara (20-3): IBF #6 / WBO #15 After avenging his shocking loss to Alvin Lagumbay (10-3) and regained the WBO Asia Pacific championship, Obara will take on the undefeated former WBC Silver champion Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (15-0), on January 4th, in an IBF world title eliminator. Super Lightweight / Jr Welterweight: -Hiroki Okada (19-0): WBO #3 / WBA #3 / IBF #5 / WBC #12 The former Japanese & WBO Asia Pacific champion made his US debut this past September, against Cristian Rafael Coria (27-7), winning via unanimous decision. -Akihiro Kondo (31-7): IBF #4 Since losing to Sergey Lipinets (14-1) last year, Kondo has won his last 2 fights against the debuting Rikhit Thunritsa and Tatsuya Miyazaki (9-12). Lightweight: -Masayoshi Nakatani (18-0): IBF #5 / WBC #8 / WBO #12 Nakatani marked his 11th successful OPBF title defense, on December 9, when he stopped the WBC International champion Hurricane Futa (25-8) in round 6. -Nihito Arakawa (31-6): WBO #4 The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion is still looking for his second world title opportunity as 2019 approaches. Super Featherweight/ Jr Lightweight: -Masaru Sueyoshi (18-1): WBO #6 / WBC #22 Sueyoshi has been victorious in his last 15 outings and even won the Japanese title on October of 2017. A few more wins and we may see him challenging Masayuki Ito (24-1) for the WBO World championship by the end of next year. He recently fought the OPBF champion Hironori Mishiro (6-0), for the Japanese & OPBF titles, to a draw. Featherweight: -Satoshi Shimizu (8-0): IBF #3 / WBC #5 The 2012 Olympics Bronze Medalist has already defended his OPBF crown thrice this year. It’s only a matter of time before he challenges for a World championship. -Shun Kubo (13-1): WBA #7 / WBC #23 The former WBA Super Bantamweight world champion returned this April, after his TKO loss to Daniel Roman (26-2) in 2017, and won his comeback fight against former OPBF Featherweight champion & world title contender Hiroshige Osawa (33-5) making a huge impact on his Featherweight debut. -Reiya Abe (18-2): IBF #4 / WBC #20 The young Japanese lion, undefeated in his last 10 bouts, is steadily making his mark in the Featherweight division. Abe will take on Daisuke Sugita (4-0) on January 12. Winning or losing, he will still challenge Taiki Minamoto (16-5) for the Japanese title at the 2019 Champion Carnival. Super Bantamweight / Jr Featherweight: -Ryosuke Iwasa (25-3): IBF #3 / WBC #12 Iwasa lost his IBF world title to DJ Doheny (20-0) this past August. Rumor has it that he maybe fighting Cesar Juarez (23-6) in an IBF world title eliminator in the near future. - Shingo Wake (25-5): IBF #4 / WBC #7 The 12 year veteran has re-established himself at the top of the division after stopping Yusaku Kuga (16-3) in July to win the Japanese title. However, Wake recently vacated his belt and he is rumored to face a world champion in 2019, possibly either Rey Vargas (32-0) or TJ Doheny (20-0). Until then, he will square off against Takafumi Nakajima (29-11) on January 19. - Ryohei Takahashi (16-3): IBF #10 Takahashi won the IBF Pan Pacific championship from Pipat Chaiporn (45-12) back in June and defended it against Shingo Kusano (11-7) in September. Bantamweight: -Takuma Inoue (12-0): WBC #4 Takuma will go up against undefeated Thai boxer Petch Sor Chitpattana (48-0) for the interim WBC World championship, on December 30, in Japan. Super Flyweight / Jr Bantamweight: -Kazuto Ioka (23-1): WBO #3 / WBC #3 Ioka is on a journey to conquer yet again another division, as a match with fellow 3 division World champion Donnie Nietes (41-1), for the vacant WBO Super Flyweight World title, is scheduled to take place on December 31st, in Macau. -Koki Eto (23-4): WBC #7 / WBO #8 / WBA #8 / IBF #14 The former interim WBA Flyweight World champion has fought twice this year against lesser opponents. Nothing new on the horizon for him at this moment. -Ryuichi Funai (31-7): IBF #3 / WBO #6 / WBC #14 Funai stopped Victor Olivo (15-3) in an IBF world title eliminator, on November 10, and he will now be facing Jerwin Ancajas (30-1) for the gold next year. -Sho Ishida (27-1): IBF #5 / WBO #7 / WBA #7 / WBC #17 Since losing to the WBA world champion Khalid Yafai (25-0) last year, Ishida has won all of his 2018 bouts, against Ratchanon Sawangsoda (12-3), Richard Claveras (18-6), as well as former world title contender Warlito Parrenas (26-9). -Daigo Higa (15-1): WBA #6 The former WBC Flyweight World Champion has been suspended for the majority of the year, since failing to make weight in his last title fight. Recently though, there have been rumors of his upcoming return, including training videos of him, and with his inclusion to the WBA rankings, it’s almost a certainty that we will see Okinawa’s favorite son back to the ring in 2019. Flyweight: -Masayuki Kuroda (30-7): WBC #3 / WBO #2 / IBF #4 Kuroda was scheduled to fight Komgrich Nantapech (24-5) in an IBF world title eliminator this November. However, Nantapech was injured and the match got cancelled. -Junto Nakatani (17-0): WBC #4 / WBO #11 The unstoppable Japanese prospect has fought 4 times in 2018 and has won all of his bouts, 2 of them via KO. At this pace, he will be competing for a world title in no time. -Masahiro Sakamoto (13-1): WBO #4 / IBF #15 Sakamoto has been on a 5 fight winning streak, all stoppages, including victories over Ekkawit Songnui (48-6) and Wicha Phulaikhao (60-10). The former WBO Asia Pacific champion will be challenging Moruti Mthalane (36-2) for the IBF World championship, on December 31st, in Macau. -Sho Kimura (17-2): WBO #6 / WBC #7 The former WBO World champion lost this title recently to Kosei Tanaka, in a back and forth affair. Already ranked at the top 10 of the WBO & WBC, he will probably find himself in a championship match again very soon. Light Flyweight: -Tetsuya Hisada (33-9): WBA #2 / WBO #3 / WBC #3 / IBF #3 The reigning Japanese champion recorded a 5th successful title defense against Akihiro Toya (8-5) in November. Hisada is ranked at the top of the division all year long. It will be a surprise if he doesn’t fight for a World championship in 2019. Note: Hisada vacated the Japanese title in December. -Hiroto Kyoguchi (11-0): WBA #1 / WBC #2 / IBF #4 The former undefeated IBF Minimumweight World champion stopped Tibo Monabesa (18-1) this past September in his Light Flyweight debut. He is now set to fight Hekkie Budler (32-3) for the WBA World title, on December 31st, in Macau. -Ryoichi Taguchi (27-3): WBC #4 / WBA #4 / IBF #8 Taguchi is said to be challenging Kosei Tanaka for the WBO World title, in Spring of 2019. -Reiya Konishi (17-1): WBA #5 / WBO #5 / IBF #9 / WBC #13 After losing a decision to Carlos Canizales (21-0), for the WBA world title, earlier this year, Konishi came back in July and knocked out Orlie Silvestre (12-4) to become the new WBO Asia Pacific champion. His first title defense took place on December 1st, against Richard Rosales (13-8). -Ryuji Hara (23-2): WBO #1 Hara has been the #1 ranked Light Flyweight by the WBO since January, despite having only competed once in this division against the debuting Seneey Worachina. Hara was set to face Angel Acosta for the World title on April 7 but an injury prevented him from stepping into the ring. Now there are talks again of making that fight happen in February of next year. Minimumweight: -Tsubasa Koura (14-0): WBC #2 / IBF #4 / WBA #9 / WBO #10 Koura successfully defended his OPBF title, for the 3rd time, against Daiki Tomita (12-1) on September 29. He is now set to face Simphiwe Khonco (19-5) in a WBC World title eliminator (date TBA). -Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-6): WBO #3 / WBC #5 / IBF #13 Fukuhara has been victorious in both of his 2018 bouts. An interesting development is his inclusion to the WBO rankings again and in the third place nonetheless. -Shin Ono (23-9): WBO #5 / IBF #11 / WBA #12 / WBC #13 Ono made his first successful Japanese title defense against former World title contender Riku Kano (13-4) on August 24. He will mark his second one against Norihito Tanaka (17-7), on January 12. -Masataka Taniguchi (11-2): WBO #2 Taniguchi recently defeated Joel Lino (10-1) for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title. *Interim World Champions NOT included. **The WBC/IBF rankings are from October By - George Delis (@Delisketo)
Heavyweight: -Kyotaro Fujimoto (20-1): WBO #6 / WBC #2 The former K-1 champion debuted in 2011 and has had a successful run in the regional scene, currently holding the OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific Heavyweight belts while riding on a 15 fight winning streak. He defended his championships against Suthat Kalalek (12-10) in September. Middleweight: -Ryota Murata (14-2): WBA #6 / IBF #7 The 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist shockingly lost his WBA world title to Rob Brant, on October 20, and once again finds himself in the position of the title chaser. Right now, there are plenty potential interesting choices as for his next opponent, like fellow Olympic champion Esquiva Falcao (22-0), the WBA Asia champion Magomed Madiev (12-0) or the WBA’s top ranked middleweight contender David Lemieux (40-4). We shall see what the future holds for Murata soon. Super Welterweight / Jr Middleweight: -Takeshi Inoue (13-0): IBF #2 / WBO #3 / WBA #14 / WBC #19 The undefeated 4-year veteran is climbing the division incredibly fast, managing to place himself at the top of the WBO/IBF rankings. A former Japanese title holder and now the unified OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion, may very well be on his way to the big one, as he’s been rumored to be facing Julian Williams (25-1) in a IBF world title eliminator. Welterweight -Keita Obara (20-3): IBF #6 / WBO #14 The former Japanese/OPBF champion and world title contender, recently got his revenge on Alvin Lagumbay (10-3), after that shocking KO loss earlier this year, to regain the WBO Asia Pacific Welterweight championship. Obara will take on the WBC Silver champion Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (15-0), on January 4th, in an IBF world title eliminator. Super Lightweight / Jr Welterweight: -Hiroki Okada (19-0): WBO #3 / WBA #3 / IBF #5 / WBC #12 One of brightest prospects in Japan right now, Okada has never lost a single bout in his entire career. A bona fide knock out artist (13 KOs), he held the Japanese crown for 32 months and defended it 6 times, before winning the WBO Asia Pacific championship from Jason Pagara (41-3) in 2017. Okada’s latest victory came in September, against Cristian Rafael Coria (27-7), when he made his US debut. -Akihiro Kondo (31-7): IBF #4 Since losing to Sergey Lipinets (14-1) last year, Kondo has won his last 2 fights against the debuting Rikhit Thunritsa and Tatsuya Miyazaki (9-12). Lightweight: -Masayoshi Nakatani (17-0): IBF #5 / WBC #8 / WBO #12 Nakatani defended his OPBF Lightweight title, this past July, for the 10th time. A fight with Zaur Abdullaev (10-0) for the WBC Silver title or with Isa Chaniev (13-1) for the IBF Intercontinental/WBO International titles, would make much sense at this point of his career. -Nihito Arakawa (31-6): WBO #5 Former Japanese, OPBF and reigning WBO Asia Pacific Lightweight champion, Arakawa has been in many big fights through out his 14-year career. At 36, he is still looking for his second world title opportunity. Super Featherweight/ Jr Lightweight: -Masaru Sueyoshi (18-1): WBO #6 / WBC #22 The 27 year old is steadily making his mark in Japan. Sueyoshi has been victorious in his last 15 outings and even won the Japanese title on October of 2017. Another successful year and we might see him challenging for the WBO world title by the end of 2019/beginning of 2020. He fought OPBF champion Hironori Mishiro (6-0) for the Japanese & OPBF titles, on October 6, to a draw. Featherweight: -Satoshi Shimizu (7-0): IBF #3 / WBC #5 The 2012 Olympics Bronze Medalist made his pro debut on September of 2016 and has since then stopped every single one of his opponent, claiming the OPBF Featherweight crown in just his 4th pro fight. Shimizu successfully defended that belt against Shingo Kawamura (16-4) in August, for the third time. Shimizu might be looking for a fight with Gary Russell Jr. (29-1) for the WBC world title in the near future. Until then, he has to defend the OPBF championship again this year, against fellow undefeated prospect Takuya Uehara (16-0) on December 3rd. -Shun Kubo (13-1): WBA #8 / WBC #23 The former WBA Super Bantamweight world champion returned this April, after his TKO loss to Daniel Roman in 2017, and won his comeback fight against former OPBF Featherweight champion & world title challenger Hiroshige Osawa (33-5) making a huge impact in his Featherweight debut. Kubo will compete again on December 1st, as he takes on former world title contender Noldi Manakane (33-25). -Reiya Abe (18-2): IBF #4 / WBC #20 The young Japanese lion, undefeated in his last 10 bouts, is steadily making his mark in the Featherweight division. Super Bantamweight / Jr Featherweight: -Tomoki Kameda (35-2): WBC #2 / WBO #8 El Mexicanito has been undefeated since moving up a weight class. He will be facing the current EBU champion Abigail Medina (19-3) for the interim WBC world title, on November 12, in Japan. -Ryosuke Iwasa (25-3): IBF #3 / WBC #12 Iwasa lost his IBF world title to DJ Doheny (20-0) this past August. Rumor has it that he maybe fighting Cesar Juarez (23-6) in an IBF world title eliminator in the near future. - Shingo Wake (25-5): IBF #4 / WBC #7 The former OPBF champion and world title contender was in a war, this past July, with top ranked boxer Yusaku Kuga (16-3), from which he came out the victor as well as the new Japanese champion. The 12 year veteran has re-established himself at the top of the division as he is aiming for another shot at the big one. - Ryohei Takahashi (16-3): IBF #10 Takahashi won the IBF Pan Pacific championship from Pipat Chaiporn (45-12) back in June. Bantamweight: -Takuma Inoue (12-0): WBC #4 / WBO #4 Takuma defeated the reigning OPBF Bantamweight champion Mark John Yap (29-13) via unanimous decision, in a WBC World title eliminator fight, on September 11. He is now set to face the winner of Rau'shee Warren (16-2) vs. Nordine Oubaali (14-0), in 2019. If the fight between Warren and Oubaali doesn’t materialize, then Takuma will go up against undefeated Thai boxer Petch Sor Chitpattana (48-0) for the title, this year. Super Flyweight / Jr Bantamweight: -Kazuto Ioka (23-1): WBA #2 / WBC #3 / WBO #3 Ioka outclassed 2-time world title contender and accomplished amateur boxer McWilliams Arroyo (17-4), recently in the States, to win the WBC Silver title. The Japanese superstar is on a journey to conquer yet again another division, as a match with fellow 3 division world champion Donnie Nietes (41-1), for the vacant WBO Super Flyweight World championship, is almost certain to take place on December 31st in Macau. -Koki Eto (23-4): WBC #7 / WBO #8 / WBA #8 / IBF #14 The former interim WBA Flyweight World champion is currently ranked in the top 10 of the division. Nothing new on the horizon for him at this moment. -Ryuichi Funai (30-7): IBF #3 / WBO #6 / WBC #14 / WBA #12 Funai knocked out Filipino standout and world title contender Warlito Parrenas (26-8), in impressive fashion this past June, to win the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title. He will be facing Victor Olivo (15-2) on November 10, in an IBF title eliminator bout. The winner will challenge Jerwin Ancajas (30-1) for the IBF Super Flyweight World Championship next year. -Sho Ishida (26-1): IBF #5 / WBO #7 / WBA #7 / WBC #17 Since losing to the WBA world champion Khalid Yafai (24-0) last year, Ishida has won both of his 2018 fights, against Ratchanon Sawangsoda (12-3) and Richard Claveras (18-5), via KO. His next opponent will be the aforementioned Warlito Parrenas, on December 9. Flyweight: -Masayuki Kuroda (30-7): WBC #3 / WBO #2 / IBF #4 The current Japanese Flyweight champion has been on a 6-fight winning streak and has defended his belt 5 times since 2017. Kuroda was scheduled to fight Komgrich Nantapech (24-5) in an IBF world title eliminator bout this November. However, Nantapech was injured and the match was cancelled. Now there’s a possibility that Kuroda may go straight for a world title fight against the IBF world champion Moruti Mthalane (36-2). -Junto Nakatani (17-0): WBC #4 / WBO #10 The unstoppable Japanese prospect has fought 4 times in 2018 and has won all of his bouts, 2 of them via KO. At this pace, he will be competing for a world title in no time. -Masahiro Sakamoto (13-1): WBO #4 Sakamoto has been on a 5 fight winning streak, all stoppages, including victories over Ekkawit Songnui (48-6) and Wicha Phulaikhao (60-10). The former WBO Asia Pacific champion will probably be in line for a WBO World title match, against Kosei Tanaka, in 2019. -Sho Kimura (17-2): WBC #7 / WBO #5 The former WBO world champion lost this title recently to Kosei Tanaka, in a back and forth affair. Already ranked in the top 10 of the WBO & WBC, he will probably find himself in a championship match after one or two fights. Light Flyweight: -Tetsuya Hisada (32-9): WBA #2 / WBO #3 / WBC #3 / IBF #3 The reigning Japanese Flyweight champion recorded a 4th successful title defense against Koki Ono (12-5) on July 16, thus improving his streak to 11 consecutive victories. Now as the #1 ranked Light Flyweight by the WBA, he is rumored to face Hekkie Budler (32-3) for the gold, probably in 2019. His next fight will be on November 16, against Akihiro Toya (8-4), for the Japanese title. -Hiroto Kyoguchi (11-0): WBA #1 / WBC #2 / IBF #4 / WBO #9 The undefeated IBF Minimumweight World champion recently moved up a weight class and is already sitting at the top of the division. Kyoguchi’s Light Flyweight debut took place on September 25, against top Indonesian boxer Tibo Monabesa (18-1), which ended with a TKO victory for the Japanese star. Recently the WBC has ordered a world title eliminator between Kyoguchi and the reigning WBC International champion Jonathan Taconing (28-3). If this bout goes through, it’s still uncertain. There are also talks of Kyoguchi potentially challenging Angel Acosta (19-1) for the WBO World title. -Ryoichi Taguchi (27-3): WBC #4 / WBA #4 / IBF #8 There are currently 2 scenarios for the former world champion. Either he moves up to Flyweight and fights for a world title in that division or have his rematch with Hekkie Budler. Nothing has been confirmed thus far. -Reiya Konishi (16-1): WBA #5 / WBO #6 / IBF #9 / WBC #13 After losing a decision to Carlos Canizales (21-0), for the WBA world title, earlier this year, Konishi came back in July and knocked out Orlie Silvestre (11-4) to become the new WBO Asia Pacific champion. His first title defense will take place on December 1st, against Richard Rosales (13-7). -Ryuji Hara (23-2): WBO #1 Hara has been the #1 ranked Light Flyweight by the WBO since January, despite having only competed once in this division against the debuting Seneey Worachina. Hara was set to face Angel Acosta for the world title on April 7 but an injury prevented him from stepping into the ring. Minimumweight: -Tsubasa Koura (14-0): WBC #2 / IBF #4 / WBA #10 / WBO #10 At only 23 years of age, Koura has already amassed 14 career wins, including 9 KOs, as well as the OPBF Minimumweight championship. He successfully defended his title, for the 3rd time, against Daiki Tomita (12-1) on September 29. A WBC world title match with Chayaphon Moonsri (51-0) in 2019 could be possible. Koura is set to face Simphiwe Khonco (19-5) in a WBC title eliminator bout (date TBA). -Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-6): WBC #5 / IBF #13 Fukuhara has been victorious in both of his 2018 fights but he is going to need a few more wins if he wants challenge Chayaphon Moonsri again. -Shin Ono (23-9): WBO #5 / IBF #11 / WBA #13 / WBC #13 Ono made his first successful Japanese title defense against former world title contender Riku Kano (13-4) on August 24. There were rumors that he could be facing Chayaphon Moonsri in December but these plans may have fallen off since the Thai world champion will have another match coming up this month. By - George Delis (@Delisketo) Heavyweight: -Kyotaro Fujimoto (20-1): WBO #7 / WBC #18 The former K-1 champion debuted in 2011 and has had a successful run in the regional scene, currently holding the OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific Heavyweight belts while riding on a 15 fight winning streak. He defended his championships against Suthat Kalalek (12-10) on September 25. A match-up with Zhilei Zhang (20-0) would make much sense since he’s currently the WBO Oriental champion and he’s also ranked #6 by the WBO. Super Welterweight / Jr Middleweight: -Takeshi Inoue (13-0): IBF #2 / WBO #4 / WBA #13 / WBC #21 The undefeated 4-year veteran is climbing the division incredibly fast, managing to place himself at the top of the WBO/IBF rankings. A former Japanese title holder and now the unified OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion, may very well be only a few fights away from his first world title opportunity. Welterweight -Keita Obara (20-3): IBF #6 / WBO #15 The former Japanese/OPBF champion and world title contender, got his revenge on Alvin Lagumbay (10-3), after that shocking KO loss earlier this year, to regain the WBO Asia Pacific Welterweight championship, on August 9. Super Lightweight / Jr Welterweight: -Hiroki Okada (19-0): WBO #3 / WBA #4 / IBF #5 / WBC #10 One of brightest prospects in Japan right now, Okada has never lost a single bout in his entire career. A bona fide knock out artist (13 KOs), he held the Japanese crown for 32 months and defended it 6 times, before winning the WBO Asia Pacific championship from Jason Pagara (41-3) this past December. Okada’s latest victory came on September 14, against Cristian Rafael Coria (27-7), when he made his US debut. -Akihiro Kondo (31-7): IBF #4 Since losing to Sergey Lipinets (14-1) last year, Kondo has won his last 2 fights against the debuting Rikhit Thunritsa and Tatsuya Miyazaki (9-12). Lightweight: -Masayoshi Nakatani (17-0): IBF #5 / WBC #8 / WBO #12 Nakatani defended his OPBF Lightweight title, this past July, for the 10th time. A fight with Zaur Abdullaev (10-0) for the WBC Silver title or with Isa Chaniev (13-1) for the IBF Intercontinental/WBO International titles, would make much sense at this point of his career. -Nihito Arakawa (31-6): WBO #3 Former Japanese, OPBF and reigning WBO Asia Pacific Lightweight champion, Arakawa has been in many big fights through out his 14-year career. At 36, he is still looking for his second world title opportunity. Super Featherweight/ Jr Lightweight: -Masaru Sueyoshi (18-1): WBO #7 The 27 year old is steadily making his mark in Japan. Sueyoshi has been victorious in his last 15 outings and even won the Japanese title on October of 2017. Another successful year and we might see him challenging for a world title by the end of 2019/beginning of 2020. His next confirmed bout is on October 6, against OPBF champion Hironori Mishiro (6-0) for the Japanese & OPBF titles. Featherweight: -Satoshi Shimizu (7-0): IBF #4 / WBC #5 The 2012 Olympics Bronze Medalist made his pro debut on September of 2016 and has since then stopped every single one of his opponent, claiming the OPBF Featherweight crown in just his 4th pro fight. Shimizu successfully defended that belt against Shingo Kawamura (16-4) on August 17, for the third time. Shimizu might be looking for a fight with Gary Russell Jr. (29-1) for the WBC world title in the near future. -Shun Kubo (13-1): WBA #8 The former WBA Super Bantamweight world champion returned this April, after his TKO loss to Daniel Roman in 2017, and won his comeback fight against former OPBF Featherweight champion & world title challenger Hiroshige Osawa (33-5) making a huge impact on his Featherweight debut. -Reiya Abe (18-2): IBF #5 / WBC #20 The young Japanese lion, undefeated in his last 10 bouts, is steadily making his mark in the Featherweight division. Super Bantamweight / Jr Featherweight: -Tomoki Kameda (35-2): WBC #2 / WBO #7 / IBF #12 El Mexicanito has been undefeated since moving up a weight class. He will be facing the current EBU champion Abigail Medina (19-3) for the interim WBC world title, probably this November. -Ryosuke Iwasa (25-3): IBF #3 Iwasa lost his IBF world title to DJ Doheny (20-0) this past August. Whether he tries to reclaim his belt or retire, it’s unknown as of yet. - Shingo Wake (25-5): IBF #4 / WBC #7 The former OPBF champion and world title contender was in a war, this past July, with top ranked boxer Yusaku Kuga (16-3), from which he came out the victor as well as the new Japanese champion. The 12 year veteran has re-established himself at the top of the division as he is aiming for another shot at the big one. Bantamweight: -Takuma Inoue (12-0): WBO #4 / WBC #10 Takuma defeated the reigning OPBF Bantamweight champion Mark John Yap (29-13) via unanimous decision, in a WBC World title eliminator fight, on September 11. He is now set to face the winner of Rau'shee Warren (16-2) vs. Nordine Oubaali (14-0), in 2019. If the fight between Warren and Oubaali doesn’t materialize, then Takuma will go up against undefeated Thai boxer Petch Sor Chitpattana (48-0) for the title, this year. -Hiroaki Teshigawara (17-2): WBO #3 / WBC #18 Teshigawara knocked out former world title contender, Teiru Kinoshita (26-3) in June, to defend his WBO Asia Pacific crown. Recently he decided to move up a weight class and he will face Glenn Suminguit (21-3) for the vacant OPBF Super Bantamweight championship, on October 11. Super Flyweight / Jr Bantamweight: -Kazuto Ioka (23-1): WBA #2 Ioka outclassed the 2-time world title contender and accomplished amateur boxer McWilliams Arroyo (17-4), on September 8 in the States, to win the WBC Silver title. The former 3 division world champion is on a journey to conquer yet again another division and we could be seeing him challenging for a world championship sooner rather than later. -Koki Eto (23-4): WBC #6 / WBO #6 / WBA #7 The former interim WBA Flyweight World champion is currently ranked in the top 10 of the division. No news yet on what’s coming next for him. -Ryuichi Funai (30-7): IBF #3 / WBO #4 / WBC #10 / WBA #11 Funai knocked out Filipino standout and world title contender Warlito Parrenas (26-8), in impressive fashion this past June, to win the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title. It’s rumored that he could be facing Jerwin Ancajas (30-1*) for the IBF Super Flyweight World Championship in the future. -Sho Ishida (26-1): IBF #5 / WBO #5 / WBA #6 / WBC #13 Since losing to the WBA world champion Khalid Yafai (24-0) last year, Ishida has won both of his 2018 fights, against Ratchanon Sawangsoda (12-3) and Richard Claveras (18-5), via KO. Flyweight: -Masayuki Kuroda (30-7): WBC #2 / WBO #3 / IBF #4 The current Japanese Flyweight champion has been on a 6-fight winning streak and has defended his belt 5 times since 2017. Kuroda’s next challenge will be against the IBF Pan Pacific champion and former world title contender Komgrich Nantapech (24-5). The 2 fighters will collide in Thailand, on the 21st of November, in an IBF world title eliminator bout. -Junto Nakatani (16-0): WBC #4 / WBO #11 The unstoppable Japanese prospect has fought thrice in 2018 and has won all of his bouts, 2 of them via KO. His next opponent will be Shun Kosaka (15-4), on October 6, with the winner receiving a shot at the Japanese title next year. -Masahiro Sakamoto (13-1): WBO #4 Sakamoto has been on a 5 fight winning streak, all stoppages, including victories over Ekkawit Songnui (48-6) and Wicha Phulaikhao (60-10). The former WBO Asia Pacific champion will probably be in line for a WBO World title match, against Kosei Tanaka, in 2019. Light Flyweight: -Tetsuya Hisada (32-9): WBA #1 / WBO #3 / WBC #3 / IBF #4 The reigning Japanese Flyweight champion recorded a 4th successful title defense against Koki Ono (12-5) on July 16, thus improving his streak to 11 consecutive victories. Now as the #1 ranked Light Flyweight by the WBA, he is rumored to face Hekkie Budler (32-3) for the gold, probably in 2019. His next appearance will be on November 16. No confirmed opponent as of yet. -Hiroto Kyoguchi (11-0): WBA #2 / WBC #2 / IBF #5 The undefeated IBF Minimumweight World champion has decided to move up a weight class and is already sitting at the top of the division. Kyoguchi’s Light Flyweight debut took place on September 25, against top Indonesian boxer Tibo Monabesa (18-1), which ended with a TKO victory for the Japanese star. Much like with Hisada, a potential clash with Budler in the near future, could be possible. It’s also worth mentioning that the WBC has ordered a title eliminator between Kyoguchi and the reigning WBC International champion Jonathan Taconing (28-3). If this bout goes through, it’s still uncertain. -Ryoichi Taguchi (27-3): WBC #4 / WBA #4 / IBF #8 Despite losing his 2 world title to Budler, Taguchi is still ranked amongst the top Light Flyweights in the world and will, without a doubt, gain another crack at the gold in no time. There are rumors that Taguchi may move up to Flyweight and fight for a world title in December. Nothing has been confirmed as of yet though. -Reiya Konishi (16-1): WBA #5 / WBO #6 / IBF #10 / WBC #12 After losing a decision to Carlos Canizales (21-0), for the WBA world title, earlier this year, Konishi came back in July and knocked out Orlie Silvestre (11-4) to become the new WBO Asia Pacific champion. -Ryuji Hara (23-2): WBO #1 Hara has been the #1 ranked Light Flyweight by the WBO since January, despite having only competed once in this division against the debuting Seneey Worachina. Hara was set to face Angel Acosta for the world title on April 7 but an injury prevented him from stepping into the ring. Minimumweight: -Tsubasa Koura (14-0): WBC #3 / IBF #4 / WBA #9 / WBO #11 At only 23 years of age, Koura has already amassed 14 career wins, including 9 KOs, as well as the OPBF Minimumweight championship. He successfully defended his title, for the 3rd time, against Daiki Tomita (12-1) on September 29. A WBC world title match with Chayaphon Moonsri (51-0) in 2019 seems more likely at this point, especially after Moonsri’s recent request to fight in Japan. Koura is set to face Simphiwe Khonco (19-5) in a WBC title eliminator bout (date TBA). -Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-6): WBC #6 / IBF #13 Fukuhara has been victorious in both of his 2018 fights but he is going to need a few more wins if he wants challenge Chayaphon Moonsri again. -Shin Ono (23-9): WBO #6 / IBF #11 / WBA #12 / WBC #14 Ono made his first successful Japanese title defense against former world title contender Riku Kano (13-4) on August 24. |
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