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Queensland, Australia
Attention turns to Australia this coming Sunday as Top Rank host a major card, headlined by one Filipino star, and acting as a potential show case for the another.

The main bout will see the iconic Manny Pacquiao (59-6-2, 38) defending the WBO Welterweight title against unbeaten Australian challenger Jeff Horn (16-0-1, 11). Although Pacquiao is coming to the end of his great career he is expected to still have too much for Horn, who is stepping up massively to face the “Pacman”. Although the bout does see Pacquiao defending his title the contest has lacked the big fight feel of most Pacquiao bouts and it certainly hasn't caught the attention of international fans, but is set to do big numbers in Australia where demand for the tickets has been high.

A second world title fight on this card will see talented Filipino fighter Jerwin Ancajas (26-1-1,17) defending his IBF Super Flyweight title against Japanese challenger Teiru Kinoshita (25-1-1, 8), who enters the bout as the mandatory challenger. Coming into this Ancajas will be seeking his second defense of the title that he won last year, when he upset McJoe Arroyo, and he will be hoping that an impressive win here opens the door to major bouts in the red hot Super Flyweight division. For Kinoshita the bout will see him making his international debut, and getting his second world title fight, following a loss to Zolani Tete. The bout is potentially a huge opportunity for the winner to move into divisional super fights but it a bout where the champion will be strongly favoured.

Also on this card is Filipino youngster Jonel Dapidran (8-1, 4), who will be making his international debut. The Filipino youngster will be looking to score his second successive win here as he takes on Australian local Brent Dames (5-3), who was beaten last time in a 10 rounder. This is a tough ask for Dapidran, but he has shown plenty of promise and will be coming in to this one with the hope of scoring a huge win on a card headlined by his older cousin Manny Pacquiao.

Beijing, China
As well as the action in Australia there will also be a small card in China. The most notable bout on the card will see rising local puncher Pui Yu Lim (3-0, 3) battling against Indonesian foe Skak Max (8-14, 7). Although Lim is relatively unknown he has impressed so far, and last time out the confident Chinese fighter stopped Chaloemporn Singwancha in Thailand and will now be looking to continue his rise here. Max has never won outside of Indonesia and it's hard to see him winning here.

California, USA
One of the best bouts of 2015 saw Takashi Miura (30-3-2, 23) face off with Francisco Vargas in a brilliant war for the WBC Super Featherweight title. This week wee see Miura return to an American ring as he takes on Mexican veteran Miguel Roman (56-11, 43) in a WBC world title eliminator, with the winner set to face either Vargas or Miguel Berchelt, who fight on the same card. The Miura Vs Roman bout had been touted through much of 2016 but for various reasons the bout hasn't taken place and instead we get to kick 2017 with the bout, just weeks into the near year.

Puerto Rico
Miura won't be the only Japanese fighter on the road this weekend as former IBF Super Flyweight title challenger Teiru Kinoshita (25-1-1, 8) fights in a world title eliminator against former champion McJoe Arroyo (17-1, 8). Kinoshita, making his international debut, is a former Japanese Super Flyweight champion who is best known for being out boxed by Zolani Tete for the IBF Super Flyweight title in the Portopia Hotel in Kobe, where Kinoshita was actually working at the time. Since then he has gone 6-0 (5) and shown a development in his power. For Arroyo this bout will be his first since losing the title last year in a mandatory title defense against Jerwin Ancasjas, where the Puerto Rican fighter was thoroughly uninspired. This is winnable for Kinoshita, but it will be a tough ask for the 31 year old Japanese Southpaw.

Quebec, Canada
In Canada we'll see a pair of unbeaten Kazakh hopefuls fighting to extend their winning starts.

The more notable of the two is Batyrzhan Jukembayev (7-0-0-2, 6), who will be looking for his 8th win as he takes on David Rangel (12-4, 8). On paper this should be a good test for the Kazakh, although he will be strongly favoured. Rangel has lost 4 of his last 6, but has mixed in good company with losses to the likes of Gilberto Gonzalez and Javier Prietom and a recent win over Leonardo Jimenez.

The other Kazakh on this card is 25 year old Ablaikhan Khussainov (4-0, 3), who takes on the once beaten Oscar Mejia (8-1-1, 3). The Kazakh has looked good so far but is taking a clear step up here and will be fighting in his first scheduled 6 rounder as he takes on a Mexican who has shown some genuine potential himself. Although Mejia lost last time out he proved he was capable and should be a very good test for Khussainov.

Pontianak, Indonesia
The most notable bout set to take place in Asia this weekend will see rising Indonesian star Iwan Zoda (13-1, 12) defending his IBF Youth Flyweight title against Filipino Robert Onggocan (7-1, 3). Zoda, who is the most exciting Indonesian youngster since Daud Yordan was first breaking through the ranks, will be looking to make his first defence of the title whilst Onggocan will be fighting in his first title bout.

The action seemed to go quiet for a while but picks up suddenly this weekend. Saturday was big but in many ways Sunday is busier with 3 Japanese shows and a Singaporean show, featuring a streamed card, courtesy of asign, and an OPBF title bout.

Okinawa, Japan
The OPBF title bout from an intriguing card in Okinawa where we get several bouts between Japanese locals and Filipino visitors.

The most notable of those international bouts will see OPBF Super Flyweight champion Rene Dacquel (17-6-1, 6) take on veteran challenger Go Onaga (27-2-2, 18) in a bout that both men will see as a must win bout. For the 36 year old Onaga a loss here will likely thwart any dreams of fighting for a world title, his one major dream. A loss for Dacquel however would probably see his own dreams shattered, and many would likely suggest that he won't ever progress beyond continental level.

A really interesting supporting bout will see Japan's Seita Ogido (10-2-1, 3) battle former world title challenger Jeffrey Galero (14-1, 7), who managed to ask some questions of Wanheng Menayothin last year. Since suffering his sole loss Galero has picked up 3 wins and will be looking to continue that winning run here. Ogido is stepping up in a huge way however he will be looking to be buoyed on by the local fans with Ogido being a local fighter to Okinawa.

On paper the biggest mismatch between the Japanese and Filipino fighters will see Masatoshi Kotani (18-2, 13) battle against journeyman Jovill Marayan (9-22-3, 4). Kotani is on an 8 fight winning run, albeit against limited opposition and should extend that here against a man who has gone 1-10 in his last 11 bouts.

Shizuoka, Japan
The asign show, which will be streamed on a PPV basis, is a Yokohama Hikari card and although it's not the best card of the weekend all the bouts will be streams and several of those are worth noting.

The biggest bout on the card is the main event which will see former world title challenger Daiki Kaneko (23-5-3, 15) continue to try and rebuild his career after losses to Jomthong Chuwatanab and Masao Nakamura. The former Japanese champion will be up against Japanese ranked fighter Yusuke Nakagawa (10-4-1, 6) in what looks to be an easy win for the experienced man, at least on paper. Nakagawa however is an under-rated fighter and will be a stiffer tests than his record suggests.

Another bout of some interest here will see recent OPBF title challenger Futoshi Usami (13-2-1, 10) face off with the heavy handed Tatsuya Miyazaki (8-8-1, 8). Usami challenged Masayoshi Nakatani for the OPBF title in 2014 but has only fought 6 rounds since then and Miyazaki might see this as his chance to take advantage of his opponents inactivity and end a 4-fight losing streak.

Hyogo, Japan
A third Japanese show will come from Hyogo, sadly however the card is less than great despite featuring a former world title contender.

That former world title contender is the light hitting Teiru Kinoshita (24-1-1, 7) who will be facing a Thai visitor as Kinoshita looks for a 6th successive win. Kinoshita, who lost to Zolani Tete in an IBF title fight, has stated in the past that he would like another world title bout, will need to start facing better opponents that Thai novices if he's to be full prepared for a world level bout.

Another local taking on a Thai foe will be Kazuhiro Nishitani (15-4-1, 7), and as with the Kinoshita bout we're unsure on the name of the Thai. Nishitani has gone 1-2-1 in his last 4, including a loss in a Japanese title fight to Kota Tokunaga, but should come away with a win here.

In an all Japanse bout Kazuya Murata (12-5, 5) will face Makoto Kawasaki (7-4-1, 1). Coming in to this Murata holds a #2 ranking with the JBC at Lightweight and know that he could move towards securing a Japanese title fight with a win here. For Kawasaki, who is 3-3 in his last 6, this is a great opportunity to move towards a ranking place.

Another man looking to secure a ranking place with an upset will be Satoshi Momota (10-11-1, 4) who faces ranked Light Welterweight Kazuyasu Okamoto (11-4, 3). Despite being the “promoter's boy” Momota will be the clear under-dog coming into this one.

Singapore, Singapore
Fight fans in Singapore will also get some action, albeit low level action.

In the main event former amateur stand out Muhamad Ridhwan (3-0, 2) will be up against Filipino Jonel Borbon (2-19-2, 2). Ridhwan was given some attention on debut following his amateur success but appears unlikely to become a star that Singaporean fight fans would have been hoping for.

Staying with local talent Nurshahidah Roslie (3-0, 1) will be up against the debuting Krisna Limbaga (0-0). Roslie claimed the UBO Inter-Continental title last time out but will not be defending her title here.

The ridiculousness of Japanese boxing is on full show this coming Sunday with a staggering 5 shows, 3 of which are in Osaka alone, with two of those actually sharing a venue!

Osaka, Japan
The busy venue is the EDION Arena which is doubling up this Sunday. The first of the two shows is set to begin at 12:30 local time and is a relatively low profile Kazama promoted card.

The main event of the Kazama show sees Japanese 154lb champion Yuki Nonaka (28-8-3, 9) defending his title against the under-rated Yuto Shimizu (11-2-2, 4) in a mandatory defense. On paper it's easy to favour the champion, who is very experienced at title level and is a genuine joy to watch. Shimizu however is the much younger man and is on an 8-0 run with wins against the likes of Hikaru Nishida, the current JBC/OPBF Middleweight champion, Takehiro Shimokawara and Yosuke Kirima. This could be a very good bout.

In a notable under-card bout fans will see Japanese based Colombian Pablo Carrillo (18-4-1, 11) face off against Filipino veteran Donny Mabao (22-24-3, 4) in what looks like a mismatch, but could prove to be a good test for Carrillo, who is now managed by Hiroki Ioka. Whilst Mabao's record is “sketchy” at best he does come in to this one on a 3-fight unbeaten run, including a victory over Michael Enriquez and will be pretty confident coming into this bout.

Osaka, Japan
The second show at the EDION Arena in Osaka is a much more notable card with several bouts of interest, even if they are likely to be pretty uncompetitive.

The nominal main event of the card will see the unbeaten OPBF Lightweight champion Masayoshi Nakatani (11-0, 6) defending his title against the limited, but very heavy handed, Tosho Makoto Aoki (20-13-2, 17). On paper this is a mismatch, there is no way of denying it, however Aoki has got a puncher's chance and will know that with his power his only chance is to take the fight to Nakatani. If the champion can take the power of the challenger then this will be a drama-less win for Nakatani, however Aoki's power may be enough to unsettle Nakatani's, or at least ask questions of the champion.

A second title bout on this card will see Japanese Super Flyweight champion Sho Ishida (21-0, 11) take on mandatory challenger Ryuichi Funai (24-6, 16). This will be Ishida's 5th defense of the title and if he's successful his team will almost certainly do what they can to get him a world title fight later in the year. For Funai the bout will be his second shot at a title, and he'll be hoping for a better outcome than his last title fight, a 9th round TKO loss to Rolly Lunas. Notably the challenger is 7-0 (6) since that loss and will be riding a high coming into this one.

A third bout of note here sees Kei Takenaka (10-0, 3) battle against Daoruang Saknarong (0-0) in a world title “prelude”. If Takenaka gets through this, she should, she will be matched with IBF female Light Flyweight champion Naoko Shibata in late Summer.

Another bout on this card, and one which will infact split the title contests, will see OPBF ranked Flyweight contender Shun Kosaka (11-2, 2) face off against Kenta Yamada (8-5-1, 1). This is a relatively rare, at least for Japan, 10 round non-title bout and should help prepare Kosaka for a potential title fight in the coming years.

Osaka, Japan
The third Osaka card comes from the Sumiyoshi Ward Center and is a Muto promoted card that features some of the best matchmaking for the day, yet another title fight, and some potentially action.

The main event is a rematch as the heavy handed Koki Tyson (9-2-1, 9), previously known as Koki Tyson Maebara, battles Petchsuriya Singwancha (15-11, 8) for the WBC Youth Middleweight title. Tyson made light work of the Thai in 2014, stopping him in 4 rounds, though was last seen suffering a 7th round TKO loss to Akio Shibata, in a bout that saw him being outboxed before being stopped. Since the first bout Petchsuriya has gone 2-1 though was notably beaten last time out by Kerry Hope, with the bout being given to Hope after the fight was reviewed by the WBC judges.

The best bout on the card is another rematch as former multi-time title challenger Hiroyuki Hisataka (24-14-1, 10) faces off against under-rated Filipino Mark John Yap (23-12, 10). These two men met last year with Yap winning an 8 round decision, this rematch however will be over 10 rounds and could well see the winner getting a Japanese or OPBF title fight later in the year. Although the records may not show it, this really could be something very special.

The main event isn't the only probably blow out, with the chief support bout being a contest between the explosive Masao Nakamura (21-3, 20) and the tough but limited San Saknarong (3-5, 1). The last time we saw the Thai he was stopped in 6 by Hidenori Otake, and it's hard to see him living with Nakamura, who will see a win a chance to move towards a well deserved title shot, potentially with Kenichi Ogawa in what would be a very fun shoot out.

In a 4th bout of note Japanese ranked fighters collide as Masahiro Sakamoto (6-0, 4) faces off against Atsushi Aburada (10-9, 6) in a bout that could potentially decide a future Japanese title challenger. On paper Sakamoto is the favourite but Aburada is the more proven fighter and this could be a very tough bout for both, who know there is a lot to lose coming in to this one.

Kobe, Japan
One of the small Japanese shows comes from Kobe where fans will see a former world title contender and a former OPBF title challenger in action.

The former world title contender is Teiru Kinoshita (23-1-1, 6) who will be looking to continue to rebuild his career following his loss to the excellent Zolani Tete in an IBF Super Flyweight title bout back in 2014. The Japanese fighter should be very heavily favoured here as he takes on little known Korean fighter Min Wook Lee (2-3), who is best known for losing to the then debuting Muhammad Waseem late last year.

The former OPBF title challenger is Kazuya Murata (11-5, 5) who faces Tatsuya Yoneo (8-5, 1) in what will be Murata's first bout following a 5th round loss to Masayoshi Nakatani last August. Murata should win here, but it could be interesting to see if the loss to Nakatani did take something out of him.

Fukuoka, Japan
The smallest of the Japanese shows comes from Fukuoka where fans get a very small card with novices. All the bouts here are 4 rounders with the most notable being a Lightweight contender between Tsuyoshi Matsuda (4-0, 2) and teenager Seiya Matsunaga (2-1, 1), which shows the level of this card.

Metro Manila, Philippines
As well as the action in Japan there is also a show in the Philippines.

The most notable bout here features former world title challenger Silvester Lopez (25-11-2, 18), who faces the limited and light hitting Prell Tupaz (8-30-5, 1) in what should be a walk in the park for Lopez. Sadly however Lopez has been inconsistent in recent years going 6-8-1 in his last 15 bouts.

In a notable under-card contest 21 year old puncher Allan Vallespin (5-0, 5) will risk his perfect record against Jomar Borbon (4-23-2, 2). Vallespin has looked devastating so far and will be looking to continue that run against the experienced Borbon.

Sao Paulo, Brazil
In wonderful Brazil fight fans will be able to see India's Neeraj Goyat (7-2-2, 2) battle against Brazilian local Guilherme Castagnazzi Ribeiro (3-1, 3). Ribeiro has won his last 3 bouts in a combined 4 rounds, but this is a step up in class for the local and Goyat, although the naturally smaller man, comes into this one on a 7-0 run.

This coming Sunday is a busy in Asian boxing with bouts in Japan and Korea.
Hyogo, Japan
One of the two Japanese shows comes from Hyogo where Senrima Kobe put on a show.

In the main event we see former world title challenger Teiru Kinoshita (22-1-1, 5) battle against Thai visitor Rungniran Korat Sport School (0-9) in what looks to me a huge mismatch. Although this is little more than a tune up for the Japanese fighter it does need to be noted that he got a gift last time out, when he "beat" Cyborg Nawatedani by split decision, in one of the worst decisions we've seen in Japan this year. A Kinoshita/Nawatedani rematch would have been the right thing to do here, but we understand why Kinoshita didn't take that option.

A couple of the supporting bouts feature Japanese ranked fighters. One of those is the experienced Kento Matsushita (33-9-7, 13) who is up against Tom Yankun Tsukamoto (6-5-1, 2). The 34 year old Matsushita has fought numerous times for a Japanese title but has failed to win the big one, he'll now know that a loss will completely end his dreams of ever winning a national title. Tsukamoto shouldn't pose a threat to Matsushita, but may give him a good solid work out for 8 rounds.

The other Japanese ranked fighter is Yusuke Nakagawa (8-4-1, 4) who risks his ranking against Yasuyuki Otagaki (5-4-3, 1). Coming into this one Otagaki has lost his last 3, but they included a razor thin loss to Shota Hayashi, and he has never been stopped. Nakagawa has lost 2 of his last 6, and has been stopped 4 times, so Otagaki may have a chance at scoring the most notable victory of his career.

Yamaguchi, Japan
A second Japanese show comes from Yamaguchi and sees a number of intriguing match ups, in fact on paper it's a much better show than the other one.

The main event of the card will see JBC and OPBF ranked Lightweight Accel Sumiyoshi (5-4-1, 1) battle against Tatsuya Yanagi (11-3, 4). On paper it looks like Yanagi should be favoured however Sumiyoshi's record is a mess due to the high level that he's been fighting at, losing bouts to the likes of Masayoshi Nakatani, Kota Toklunaga and Yuhei Suzuki. As for Yanagi his wins have generally come against a lower level of opposition, though he did win the 2012 Rookie of the year. Interestingly Yanagi has lost 3 of his last 4 bouts and isn't a natural Lightweight, giving Sumiyoshi perhaps the edge in “form” and in natural size.

Another very good looking Lightweight bout will see Burning Ishii (6-2-1, 2) face off against Japanese based Filipino Johnriel Maligro (12-1, 9). Ishii, again with the less than stellar record, has mixed with good company and did score a notable win last time out over the experienced Edgar Gabejan, though has been out of the ring for almost a year. Maligro on the other hand lost last time out, suffering a shock stoppage to Ribo Takahata, though had beaten two then unbeaten Japanese prospects in previous bouts, including the aforementioned Yanagi. This one really could be very good.

Daegu, South Korea
In a KBA bout fans will get the chance to see WBA female Super Featherweight champion Hyun Mi Choi (10-0-1, 3) fight in a stay busy fight against Kaenpetch Superchamps (6-9-1). The bout is a rematch following Choi's 8th round win over Kaenpetch in May 2014, is a stay busy contest for the champion who has been inactive since dominating Chika Mizutani back in May.

On the same card we;re expecting to see another rematch as Iranian fighter Mohamadreza Hamze (7-6-1, 2) faces off against Ki Hong Min (5-0, 2) for the second time. Earlier this year Min won a very competitive bout with Hamze, who will be looking for revenge this time out.

For those interested in watching this one the action will be on KBS N Sports + from 18:00 local time

Daegu, South Korea
In another KBA show fans will get the chance to see former world title challenger Dan Bi Kim (11-3-1, 4)* battle against Thai visitor Nonggift Onesongchaigym (7-4-2, 1) in a bout for the WBF Inter-Continental female Light Flyweight title. The rough and tumble Kim is a handful for most and we suspect that will help her claim a win against the Thai, who we don't think will be able to handle the aggression of the Korean.

This show will be televised on MBC Sports + from 14:00 local time.

*Record misses multiple fighs

There isn't much action this Sunday but there is a couple of former world title challengers in action

Hyogo, Japan
For us the more notable of the two shows comes from Japan as Senrima Kobe Promotions put on a show at the Kobe Art Center.

In the main event former IBF Super Flyweight contender Teiru Kinoshita (21-1-1, 5) will be battling against Cyborg Nawatedani (9-2-2, 4). This will be Kinoshita's 3rd bout since losing to Zolani Tete but it is a considerable step up from the last two opponents that Kinoshita has faced, who were both limited Thai's. Nawatedani comes in to this bout 8-0-1 in his last 9 bouts and has scored some solid wins, including a decision over Junichi Ebisuoka.

The co-feature here is the only other bout of real interest and sees veteran Kento Matsushita (33-9-6, 13) battle novice professional Ken Osato (6-1, 3). Coming in this one Matsushita is a former multi-time Japanese title challenger who knows that he cannot afford to suffer another loss if he's to get another title fight. As for Osato he has won back-to-back fights following a an opening round KO loss to Shohei Fujimoto, but this is a huge step up in class for him

Cebu, Philippines
As well as the action in Japan there is also some action in the Philippines.

The man event here will see former world title challenger Jerry Tomogdan (17-6-3, 9) battle against Joey Canoy (9-1-1, 3). This will be Tomogdan's first bout since he came up short against WBC world champion Wanheng Menayothin earlier this year. On paper Tomogdan should be favoured but Canoy will be coming in to this bout looking to avenge his sole defeat and may well feel he has a real point to prove.

Another bout of note on this card will feature unbeaten prospect Ardie Boyose (15-0-2, 11) battle Phil Angcamor (13-23-3, 7). Boyose is a promising puncher and should pick up his 12th stoppage win here, though we are hoping to see him step up in class in the near future.

(Image courtesy of www.boxmob.jp)

This coming Sunday sees the Japanese action continuing and whilst it's not the most exciting day of action there will be some knockouts courtesy of some really notable mismatches.

Hyogo, Japan
On a card in Hyogo Japanese fans will get the chance to see a former world title contender in action, though the card does look very poor.

The former world title challenger is Teiru Kinoshita (20-1-1, 4) who will be up against Thailand's Nongbeer Sor Bangkru (0-5). The Thai he has been brought in to lose to Kinoshita, who is said to be eyeing up an opportunity to reclaim the Japanese Super Flyweight title that he held for 2 years, and will be returning to Japan for the first time since he was stopped by Shun Kubo back in April 2014. Kinoshita, best known internationally for his loss to Zolani Tete in an IBF world title fight, will be doing little more than sharpening his tools here.

Another apparent mismatch will see Kazuya Murata (10-4, 4) facing an opponent that wasn't even named until the start of the month. When that happens you know the promoter has scrambled around looking for someone to come in and pad their fighters record. From what we understand the opponent is another poor Thai who has been brought in to lose.

The most interesting looking bout here is actually an 8 round support bout at Light Flyweight which will see former multi-time Japanese title challenger Kenichi Horikawa (27-13-1, 4) battle against Munehito Kijima (6-6-1). Kijima lacks any sort of a notable win though at 26 is coming into his prime and will know that a win here would set him up for a big fight. Horikawa on the other hand is now 35 years old and has had a long and hard career which in fact saw him beginning things with a 3-4 record. Since that poor beginning Horikawa has gone 23-9-1 and faced off against the likes of Akira Yaegashi, Florante Condes, Edgar Sosa, Ryuji Hara, Noknoi Sitthiprasert and Yu Kimura and often managed to really test his more notable foes. This could be Horikawa's last run or it could be a break out opportunity for Kijima.

Okinawa, Japan
In Okinawa we get a show that against appears to be mostly mismatches with three clear mismatches making up the bulk of the notable contests.

The main event will see OPBF Ranked Super Featherweight hopeful Masatoshi Kotani (15-2, 11) battle against Thai visitor Non Sithsaithong (12-7, 8). Kotani comes into this bout having won his last 5, including a close win over Filipino veteran Edgar Gabejan last time out. We're not going to pretend that Kotani is sensational but he's in solid form. Non on the other hand has won just 1 of his last 5 and has been stopped in 3 fights during that run and has in fact been stopped every time he has fought outside of Thailand. We suspect that will continue here.

An even bigger mismatch will see the world ranked Go Onaga (23-2-2, 16) battle against Thai 22 year old Saengkeng Saknarong (0-1). In his only previously recorded bout the Thai lasted 50 seconds with the then debuting Daigo Higa last June and it's hard to see him last long with the heavy handed Onaga. We admit we do like Onaga but he should be looking at making one more drive towards a title fight, not wasting time with this sort of farce.

Another mismatch will see Japanese based Filipino Dado Cabintoy (14-4-2, 7) battle the win-less Prayoot Saknarong (0-2). Prayoot has been stopped in both of his losses, both in Japan, and we suspect he'll be stopped again here, despite the fact that Cabintoy is not a big puncher.

On paper the interesting match up on this show is a 6 rounder which will see Yusuke Iju (6-4-1, 3) battle against Yoshiki Kawamura (4-6-1, 3) in a rematch of bout from last August. Unfortunately however their first bout was over after just 175 seconds with Iju taking an opening round TKO and it wouldn't be a huge surprise for Iju to pick up another early win here.


(Image courtesy of boxmob.jp)

Hyogo, Japan
Today we see the return to the ring of a recent world title contender who headlines a show featuring 4 Japanese ranked fighters. We won't pretend the show is a big one but it should be an interesting one all the same.

The main event will see Teiru Kinoshita (19-1-1, 3) returning to the ring for the first time since he suffered his sole career defeat, a wide decision loss to Zolani Tete in an IBF Super Flyweight title bout. From what we understand Kinoshita has been in the gym a lot since his loss and will be returning as a Bantamweight to battle against South Korean Ji-Hwan Lee (5-4-1, 2). Lee has lost his last 4 bouts but is a former Korean Super Bantamweight champion and seems to be the perfect type of fighter for Kinoshita to return against.

In the chief support bout fans will see veteran fighter Kyohei Tamakoshi (32-9-6, 12) returning to the ring for the first time since he lost in a Japanese Super Featherweight title fight to Rikki Naito. Although Tamakoshi was uncompetitive against Naito we do suspect he'll be picking up a win here against the debuting Bank TJ Gym (0-0)

Another support bout will see domestic Lightweight hopeful Kazuhiro Nishitani (14-2, 7) fighting against the limited and light hitting Yushi Fujita (6-6-3, 1). This bout will see Nishitani trying to extend a 7 fight winning streak though we are really hoping to see him step up sooner rather than later.

A fourth 8 round bout on this card will see Kazuya Murata (9-4, 3) in action in what looks like a very even contest on paper against Kazuyasu Okamoto (9-3, 3). Murata enters as a Japanese and OPBF ranked fighter though that ranking is essentially built on his narrow win over Futoshi Usami almost a year ago. Although Okamoto lacks an equally notable win we still suspect this could be very competitive.

(Image courtesy of Boxmob.jp)

Something's in boxing are rare. One of those is an IBF title fight that takes place in Japan and another is a Chinese Heavyweight. Amazingly this Friday we get the chance to see both of those in a day that is genuinely littered with fights featuring Asians in contests that we wouldn't typically have expected.

Hyogo, Japan
The most important card of the day anywhere in the world on Friday is in the amazing Portopia Hotel in Kobe, Hyogo, as we get the day's only world title fight. The bout in question is the aforementioned IBF title fight which will see the unbeaten Teiru Kinoshita (19-0-1, 3) taking on South African puncher Zolani Tete (18-3, 16) in a battle for the vacant IBF Super Flyweight title. The bout, the first title fight in Kinoshita's career, is a hugely important one for not only the fighters but also the venue which is hosting it's first ever fights and also the IBF who has still viewed negatively in Japan.

Whilst the Kinoshita/Tete bout is the headline contest it's just 1 of the 6 bouts on the card. Sadly the most notable support bouts are both pretty poor with one of them being between Shinichiro Morikawa (15-4-1, 10) and Ryota Kihara (6-8-4, 5) and the other being a bout between Yubon Kim (10-4, 3) and Yuta Matsuda (9-10-2, 4). Despite these bouts it's clear the fans at the venue will all be there to see the main event and not the support.

Tokyo, Japan
Another Japanese card will be held at the Korakuen Hall as Kaneko Promotions put on a show that did promise a lot until recently. 

Originally the main event for this show was to feature Japanese Super Bantamweight champion Hidenori Otake (22-1-3, 9) defending his belt against Daisuke Furuhashi (16-5, 6). Sadly a rib injury has forced Otake out of the bout and as a result the card does look a bit disappointing. As a result of Otake's injury the main event will now be the contest between Ryuto Oho (6-1, 2) and Shuji Hamada (12-6-3, 2). It's an acceptable contest but sadly it's not a great main event, especially considering that the main event was originally supposed to be a very interesting title bout.

From the other 7 bouts on the card we need to admit that we are a little bit excited by the contest between Toshimitsu Goto (12-10-1, 5) and Spice Matsushita (11-8, 2). The records of neither man is great but they are about the same and both will be coming to win, also both men are better than their records indicate and will be looking to prove it in a really solid 50-50 bout.

Osaka, Japan
A third Japanese card takes place in Osaka at the Bodymaker Colosseum. This card is by far the smallest profile show in Japan for the day and will feature a total of 7 bouts, the most notable of which is arguably the 8 round contest between the experienced Tetsuya Hisada (21-8-1, 11) and the limited Takahiro Murai (9-5-1, 3). We imagine Hisada will win but it's a bout that is competitive and could go either way though neither guy is likely to even win a national title as they campaign in some of the deepest divisions on the Japanese domestic scene.

Pathum Thani, Thailand
The action in Thailand will feature the very promising Nawaphon Por Chokchai (21-0, 15) who will be defending his WBC Asian Boxing Council Flyweight title against Filipino visitor Jay-ar Estremos (10-7, 4). Nawaphon, the younger brother of former world champion Suriyan Sor Rungvisai, is widely touted as a future world champion and shouldn't really struggle with Estremos here though the Filipino is much better than his record indicates and he should really have a victory over Kwanpichit OnesongchaiGym from earlier this year.

California, USA
In the California we have two intriguing contests.

One of those, the main event on a Fox Sports 1 card, will see former world title challenger Mercito Gesta (27-1-1, 15) taking on the experienced Luis Arceo (28-12-4, 18). Although the bout looks like a mismatch it is always fun to see "No Mercy" in the ring and hopefully he'll be at his most explosive against an opponent who is there to be taken out.

On the same card fans will get the chance to see Chinese Heavyweight giant Taishan Dong (0-0) make his debut against the limited Alex Rozman (2-6, 1). Stood at 6'11" Dong really is a giant of a man and their seems to be real excitement about him though we really haven't seen much of him action other than one or two kick boxing contests, including a knockout win over Bob Sapp. If however he has skills as well as size he could be a genuine force in the division and it would be great to see him having success in the boxing ranks.

New York, USA
We have another US bout that takes place in New York. This bout will see Mongolia's 

San Luis Potosí, Mexico
Staying in North America we also have a fight of interest in Mexico. This contest will see the promising Mexican based Japanese fighter Shoky Sakai (17-3, 11) battle against Abraham Cordero (8-2, 5). Although not a world beater Sakai is certainly developing into a capable fighter and his clear win over the previously unbeaten Omar Barajas back in May suggests that he may have the potential to become a possible contender in the future. For those interested in the titles this bout will be fought for the vacant WBC Youth Silver Lightweight title and of course the Youth titles are often a stepping stone to bigger and better things.

South Africa
Another bout outside of Asia will see IBO Super Flyweight champion Edrin Dapudong (29-5, 17) defending his belt against Lwandile Sityatha (16-3-1, 7). Dapudong, who won the belt by stopping Gideon Buthelezi inside a round last year, will be hoping to become the first Filipino to win back-to-back fights in South Africa though he will be coming into this fight after 13 months out of the ring and he may have some ring rust going into this bout.

(Image courtesy of Senrima Kobe Promotions)

Whilst we often get busy days in Asian boxing we tend to find that the action is almost always in either Japan or the Philippines. This Sunday however the action is shared between Japan and China with both holding a number of bouts, albeit at a somewhat middling to low level.

Hyogo, Japan
When we said that the day was full of low to mid level bouts we've got to be honest we weren't joking and in fact the most interesting "bout" of the day is a public exhibition that sees Teiru Kinoshita (19-0-1, 3) sharing the ring with OPBF Super Bantamweight champion Shingo Wake (16-4-2, 9). This exhibition is being used as a chance to keep Kinoshita sharp ahead of an IBF world title fight with South Africa's Zolani Tete (18-3, 16).

The main competitive contest on this show will instead be a contest between Japanese and OPBF ranked Lightweight Kazuya Murata (8-4, 3) and Hirokazu Okajima (8-3-2, 4). On paper this looks like a really good match up though Murata is certainly in the better form of the men having won his last 3 whilst Okajima has won just 1 if his last 4. It's a good enough match up but it's not a headline bout on what is otherwise a very uninteresting card, other than the exhibition bout which will likely be the highlight of the show.

Shizuoka, Japan
From where we're sat the most interesting, and potentially the best, fight of the day takes place at the Act City venue in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka. The bout in question sees former OPBF Super Bantamweight champion Roli Gasca (21-4-1, 6) return to Japan for his 5th bout in the country. At the moment Gasca holds a 1-2-1 record in Japan, with the two losses coming to Yukinori Oguni and a draw with Akifumi Shimoda, he'll be hoping to pick up a win as he takes on the significantly less proven Yuta Horiike (9-1-3, 2). Horiike is unbeaten in 8 but has never fought someone of Gasca's ability before.

Other, semi interesting, bouts on this card will see Michiya Sato (10-5-4, 6) fight against Shota Suito (8-3-1, 1) and Yuki Tsuge (12-3, 6) fighting against the once beaten Hideo Sakamoto (13-1-2, 3). Unfortunate neither of these contests, nor the main event, features a puncher so the crowd may well end up seeing a lot of long, drawn out contests

Osaka, Japan
The longest of 4 Japanese cards is being held at the Sumiyoshi Ward Center in Osaka city and will feature an eye popping 11 bouts including 3 bouts with fighters who have some of the best names in Japanese boxing.

One of those 3 men is the hard hitting Jumbo Oda Nobunaga Shoten Petagine (8-1, 7) who looks to record his sixth straight stoppage as he takes on the tough Shohei Kanemoto (8-7-1, 3) in the shows headline bout. Another of the notable fighters is the baby faced Cyborg Nawatedani (6-2-2, 3) who battles the much more experienced Sho Nakazawa (17-10-2, 1). The final great name in action is Koki Tyson Maebara (5-1-1, 5) who faces Hiroshi Ohashi (7-7, 3) in a 6 rounder.

Not only doe Petagine, Nawatedani and Maebara have great names but they are all talented and are all putting their Japanese rankings on the pine in their fights here making this arguably the most important show of the day, at least in Asia.

Fukuoka, Japan
The remaining Japanese show is at the Cover Plaza in Kasuga, Fukuoka. This show, a 7 bout card, is probably the least interesting of the day with the stand out bout being between Tatsuya Fukuhara (12-4-3, 3) and Akiyoshi Kanazawa (11-2-3, 5). If you recognise Fukuhara it's because he was the debut opponent of Takuma Inoue who scored a near shut out over him. It's a pretty evenly matched bout but it is quite difficult to care too much about it.

Although the most interesting part of this card is arguably the scheduled appearance of Japanese boxing legend Yoko Gushiken. We're not sure on what Gushiken's role in the show is but it it's always great to see him around.

Kunming, China
As well as the 4 shows in Japan their is also a monster show in Kunming, China. The show, which features a staggering 13 bouts isn't just long with 12 scheduled contests but is also mega interesting with is being a Zovi show with the promoter looking to begin the journey of a new Chinese boxing star. 

Rather than try and use recognised fighters for this show the promoter has instead matched 23 debutants and 3 novice fighters. The most experienced man on this show is Yang Xing Xin (6-3-2, 4) who competes in his 12th contest as he takes on the debuting Hu En Tu (0-0) in the show's only 6 round bout.

We're hoping that this is a great success. China is, despite Xiong Zhao Zhong and Zou Shiming, the untapped market of Asian boxing and if a real talent can be found from the mainland it'd be fantastic for the sport in China and could lead to a revolution in not Asian boxing but world boxing.

(image courtesy of Zovi Boxing)