The middle portion of July is incredibly packed with a lot of action coming in just a few days, including 4 world title bouts, a regional title bout and several notable hopefuls. It really is set to be an insanely busy few days.
 
July 12th-

• Rob Brant (25-1, 17) Vs Ryota Murata (14-2, 11) - Osaka, Japan

One of 3 world title bouts on July 12th will see Japanese star Ryota Murata attempt to reclaim the WBA "regular" Middleweight from Rob Brant. Last year we saw Brant dominate Murata over 12 rounds, and this rematch really is a must win for Murata, though stylistically it's a very hard one to see him winning. Brant, at least in their first bout, appeared all wrong for Murata and we're sadly expecting something similar here.
 

• Kenshiro (15-0, 8) vs Jonathan Taconing (28-3-1, 22) -Osaka, Japan

Unbeaten WBC Light Flyweight champion Kenshiro looks to make his next defense as he battles against hard hitting Filipino challenger Jonathan Taconing, who enters as the mandatory challenger. At the moment Kenshiro is arguably the most under-rated world champion in the sport, and is certainly the most under appreciated fighter in Japan. This however is no gimme for the champion and Taconing brings a real air of danger with him thanks to his hard hitting southpaw style. On paper this may end up being the bout of the month, and is a true boxer Vs banger affair.
 

• Joe Noynay (17-2-1 6) vs Satoshi Shimizu (8-0, 8) - Osaka, Japan

Another fantastic Japan Vs Philippines bout in Osaka on the 12th will see Filipino fighter Joe Noynay defending his WBO Asia Pacific Super Featherweight title against Japanese challenger Satoshi Shimizu. Of the two men Noynay is the more technically sound boxer, and is a very under-rated young fighter, however Shimizu is an Olympic Bronze medal winner and a huge puncher. This is a tough one to call, with Noynay riding a real wave of confidence following a stoppage last time out against Kosuke Saka and Shimizu coming into the bout after quite a long break from the ring, and moving up in weight.
 

• Shokichi Iwata (2-0, 1) Vs Paolo Sy (6-3-1, 3) -Osaka, Japan

Touted Japanese prospect Shokichi Iwata takes a slight step up in class as he takes on Filipino foe Paolo Sy, in what should be a good test for Iwata. If Iwata is as good as hyped he should shine here, stop Sy and moved on to bigger bouts by the end of the year. Notably though Iwata seems to have been holding back in his first 2 fights and we really don't know how good he is, though we're not likely to find out here. For Sy this is a big chance to get some attention, but it would take a career best performance to even be competitive with Iwata.
 

• Naoko Fujioka (18-2, 7) v Tenkai Tsunami (26-12, 15) - Tokyo, Japan

Staying in Japan, though moving from Osaka to Tokyo, we'll see WBA female Flyweight champion Naoko Fujioka defending her title against fellow Japanese fighter Tenkai Tsunami, in what could be the sleeper fight for the month. The bout won't get much attention, especially given what else is going on on the same day, but this is expected to be an action packed, and thoroughly intense 10 round battle between two true stalwarts of the Japanese female boxing scene.
 

• Akihiro Kondo (31-8-1, 18) v Andy Hiraoka (13-0, 9) - Tokyo, Japan

Whilst Fujioka Vs Tsunami is an all Japanese bouts between stalwarts the show also features a potential passing of the torch fight, with former world title challenger Akihiro Kondo taking on rising youngster Andy Hiraoka. On paper this is a must win for Kondo, who was stopped last time out by Downua Ruawaiking, though a loss for Hiraoka would be a huge set back. Both men are taking a risk, and that's why this fight is so damn good on paper.
 

• Lerato Dlamini (12-1, 6) v Dave Penalosa (15-0, 11) - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

We don't want to cheer lead the activities of the Saudi Arabia government too much, though the match up between unbeaten Filipino Dave Penalosa and once beaten South African Lerato Dlamini is a mouth watering showdown and could be something very exciting on a card that is other wise pretty unappealing. It's worth noting this bout is for the WBC silver Featherweight title, and will put the winner in the mix for a shot at Leo Santa Cruz.
 

• Ivan Dychko (8-0, 8) Vs Nate Heaven (9-2, 7) - Florida, USA

Unbeaten Kazakh Heavyweight hopeful Ivan Dychko looks for win #9 as he takes on limited American puncher Nate Heaven. Dychko is really having his career wasted by poor promotional work and the hope is that after Heaven he will be stepped up. The Kazakh is a former amateur stand out and deserves much stiffer competition than this.
 

• Mussa Tursyngaliyev (9-0, 6) Vs Ricardo Nunez (29-9, 23) - Florida, USA

Another unbeaten Kazakh hopeful is Mussa Tursyngaliyev, who takes on former world title challenger Ricardo Nunez. On paper this is a really good step up for the Kazakh hopeful, though it should be noted that Nunez's peak years were spent at Flyweight and this bout will be all the way up at Featherweight, and Nunez has lost his last 3 and 4 of his last 5.
 
July 13th-

• Rey Vargas (33-0, 22) vs Tomoki Kameda (36-2, 20) - California, USA

The WBC Super Bantamweight title gets unified as regular champion Rey Vargas takes on interim champion Tomoki Kameda in an interesting match up on paper. These two have history, from an amateur bout that Vargas won, and should be a very highly skilled match between two talented men. Sadly the fact neither man is much of a puncher does leave the bout seemingly likely to be a drawn out tactical bout, but it should a very interesting match even if fireworks are going to be limited.
 
July 19th-

• Masayoshi Nakatani (18-0, 12) Vs Teofimo Lopez (13-0, 11) - California, USA

OPBF Lightweight champion Masayoshi Nakatani has been on the verge of a big fight for what feels like years. He has made 11 defenses of the OPBF Lightweight title, but never had the chance to show what he can do outside of the regional scene. Now he takes on the very highly touted Teofimo Lopez in an IBF world title eliminator. Coming in Lopez will be the big favourite and is tipped as one of the next big stars of the US boxing scene, and this could be his first real test. A very interesting match up, though one that could well end up feeling like it's come too late for Nakatani, who has arguably seen his career stagnate in recent years.
 
July 20th-

• Manny Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39) vs Keith Thurman (29-0-0-1, 22) - Nevada, USA

The situation with the WBA and their multiple titles continues to be a joke, though thankfully when titles are unified they tend to come in great fights. One such example comes this weekend with a WBA Welterweight unification bout between Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao and unbeaten American Keith Thurman. Coming in Pacquiao will be looking to score his 62nd win from 71 bouts, an amazing figure, and add to his incredible resume. Thurman on the other hand will be seeking his biggest win, and a win that could finally see him backing up his loud mouth and big claims. A hugely significant bout for both fighters.
 

• Sergey Lipinets (15-1, 11) vs John Molina Jr (30-8, 24) - Nevada, USA

Whilst Pacquiao's bout with Thurman will steal the attention it's worth noting that the under-card will see Kazakh-Russian Sergey Lipinets battle against John Molina Jr. On paper this lacks the name value of the main event, but has a real chance of out shining it. Both Lipinets and Molina have been in thrillers through their careers, and this could be a very, very can friendly battle. A really nice match up, and one we're very excited to see.
 

• Takuya Mizuno (16-1-1, 14) Vs Roli Gasca (25-8-1, 8) - Kariya, Japan

The once beaten Japanese puncher Takuya Mizuno takes on his most recognisable foe to date, as he battles former OPBF title holder Roli Gasca. At his best Gasca was a very talented and solid Super Bantamweight, who could be a banana skin on the regional title level, though we do wonder what Gasca has left in the tank at the age of 30. Mizuno has, at times, looked like a real prospect, but his competition has, for the most part, been limoited and this is to be regarded as a clear step up for him. A very interesting assignment for both men.
 

• Kento Hatanaka (8-0, 8) Vs Thomas Tope Hurk (3-3-1, 1) - Kariya, Japan

Unbeaten, and fast rising, second generation fighter Kento Hatanaka will look to extend his perfect state to professional boxing as he takes on Indonesian journeyman Thomas Tope Hurk. This should be little more a straight forward win for Hatanaka, who we're hoping will be tested towards the end of year and will begin a run towards a Japanese title in 2020. Hurk should offer no real resistence to the the hard hitting and all action Hatanaka.
 

• Koshin Takeshima (3-0, 3) vs Jon Jon Estrada (11-6-1, 10)- Kariya, Japan

The toutedand very impressive Koshin Takeshima takes on his stiffest test so far as he takes on the flawed but tough and hard hitting Jon Jon Estrada. Takeshima has taken his first 3 wins in a combined 8 rounds but will be expecting to go much deeper here against Estrada who has only been stopped twice in his 18 bouts, with one of those being his debut back in 2013. This promises to be a very explosive encounter and a great test for the talented Takeshima..

Whilst March started somewhat quietly it certainly ends with a crescendo of action, thanks to a huge flurry of fights in the last week or so of the month. While they are of varying quality they do come thick and fast!
 
March 24th-
Yuki Yamauchi (2-0, 1) Vs Claudevan Sese (7-0-3, 1) - Hyogo, Japan
In a meeting of unbeaten fighters touted Japanese prospect Yuki Yamauchi battles against unbeaten Filipino Claudevan Sese. We're bit on Yamauchi, and this looks like a really good test for the former Japanese amateur standout, even if Sese hasn't shown much in terms of power through his career. It's not a huge bout, by any stretch, but we do love seeing touted amateurs tested and this should be an ideal test for Yamauchi.
 
Sergey Lipinets (14-1, 10) Vs Lamont Peterson (35-4-1, 17) - Maryland, USA
Kazakh-Russian Sergey Lipinets looks to continue the rebuilding process following his 2018 IBF world title loss to Mikey Garcia. In the opposite corner is another former world champion, Lamont Peterson, himself needing to rebuild from a loss to Errol Spence. This isn't an amazing match up in terms of names but in the ring the styles should gel to provide us with something very exciting and very enjoyable, with the volume and strength of Peterson against the explosive power and ruggedness of Lipinets.
 
March 27th-
Hironori Mishiro (6-0-1, 2) Vs Takuya Watanabe (35-8-1, 20) - Tokyo, Japan
The potential hidden gem of the month will take place on March 27th and will see OPBF Super Featherweight champion Hironori Mishiro defending his title against Slver champion Takuya Watanabe. Both of these men are very talented boxers, both can be dragged into a war and both can put on a show. Mishiro is the more natural talent, with amateur polish and the promising prospect tag, but Watanabe is a gritty veteran who has seen it all before. This really could be one of the best bouts of the month.
 
March 29th-
Wanheng Menayothin (52-0, 18) Vs Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-6-6, 7) II - Thailand
After several changes in regards to the date, we now finally see the rematch between unbeaten WBC Minimumweight champion Wanheng Menayothin and former WBO champion Tatsuya Fukuhara. We though their first bout was incredibly close, actually feeling as if Fukuhara's work rate should have earned him a win, but since then the Japanese fighter has failed to shine. Wanheng however has moved past Floyd Mayweather's 50-0 record and is unlikely to be just giving up the WBC title any time soon. An interesting match up that should tell us a lot about the future of both men.
 
March 30th-
Ryota Yamauchi (4-0, 4) Vs Wulan Tuolehazi (10-3-1, 5) - Shanghai, China
Touted Japanese youngster Ryota Yamauchi takes a huge step up in class, in his first bout away from Japan, as he battles world ranked Chinese foe Wulan Tuolehazi. The Japanese prospect has impressed from the off, with a couple of notable wins already, but this is a massive leap up in what will be his first bout scheduled for 12 rounds, and to do that in enemy territory shows his confidence. Tuolehazi isn't the most polished of fighters, but he's strong, makes fights ugly and is riding a good winning streak into this, including an excellent win over Jayr Raquinel.
 
Baishanbo Nasiyiwula (15-2-1, 6) Vs Yusuke Konno (14-4, 7) - Shanghai, China
Another China Vs Japan bout will see Baishanbo Nasiyiwula take on Yusuke Konno, in what should be a chance for Baishanbo to look good. The Chinese hopeful looked less than brilliant against Ernesto Espana last time out, but has shown plenty to get excited about in the past, with a usually fun style, a rugged toughness and a dislikable streak of mean arrogance. Konno looks like the clear under-dog on paper but he's been enjoying a solid run of performances coming into this and will feel confident enough of over-coming the Chinese hopeful.
 
Sho Kimura (17-2-2, 10) Vs Pigmy Kokietgym (60-10-2, 24) - Shanghai, China
Arguably the biggest fight on the card, in terms of name value, is also the biggest mismatch, with former world champion Sho Kimura battling against Thai veteran Pigmy Kokietgym, himself a former world title challenger. For Kimura, who is still hugely popular in China, this will be his first bout since losing the WBO Flyweight title to Kosei Tanaka in 2018. Pimgy is a veteran, but a veteran who has lost 7 by stoppage and is already 37 years old. The Thai has gone on too long, and is likely to be used as little more than a confidence booster for Kimura.
 
Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (15-0, 9) Vs Keita Obara (20-3-1, 18) - Pennsylvania, USA 
Unbeaten Uzbek Kudratillo Abdukakhorov takes on Japanese puncher Keita Obara in an IBF Welterweight eliminator, to earn a shot at the title later in the year. The unbeaten Uzbek is the more naturally gifted boxer and the more rounded fighter, with a good boxing brain, good movement and speed, but he is a relatively light punching fighter compared to Obara, who is technically less impressive but a solid hitter. This should make for an interesting dynamic, and both will see this as a potentially career defining bout, leading to a massive fight in the near future.
 
March 31st-
Tsubasa Koura (14-0, 9) Vs Lito Dante (15-10-4, 7) - Kanagawa, Japan
Also at the very end of the month will be the next OPBF Minimumweight title defense from unbeaten Japanese fighter Tsubasa Koura, who will be taking on limited but tough Filipino challenger Lito Dante. On paper this looks like a total mismatch, but in reality it should be a lot more competitive than it looks. Not to say we don't Koura will win, but he will have to work for the win against the very under-rated Dante, who has never been stopped and has faced world class fighters numerous times during his 29 fight career.