Kokugikan, Tokyo, Japan
This coming Wednesday we get a stacked card from Tokyo, as U-Next put on their biggest show to date, a world title triple header. Not only does the card feature 3 world title bouts, but all 3 are interesting, with one being a world title fight, one being the first defense of a very highly regarded Japanese fighter and the other being a great bout between a popular American and a Japanese fighter looking to become a 3-weight world champion. The card also includes the debut of someone who is widely regarded as one of the brightest talents the country has had come through the amateur scene.

The former amateur stand out is Tomoya Tsuboi (0-0), who won gold at the 2021 World Championships in Belgrade and also claimed bronze medals at the Asian Games and Asian Championships. Given his excellent amateur pedigree it’s clear that Teiken will be fast tracking Tsuboi, especially given he’s 28 already. With fast tracking in mind, his team have thrown him in deep on debut, as he takes on WBO Asia Pacific #2 ranked Bantamweight Boonrueang Phayom (14-3, 14) from Thailand, in an 8 rounder. The Thai visitor debuted in 2017, and whilst he has lost 3 times, being stopped by Van Thao Tran, KJ Natuplag and Sikho Nqothole, he has got power and is dangerous in the first 3 rounds. Given his power we wouldn’t be surprised to see Phayom give Tsuboi a chin check, only for the debutant to step on the gas and score an impressive stoppage as he looks to be fast tracked towards title fights, potentially by the end of 2025.

The first of the three world title fights will see WBO Light Flyweight champion Shokichi Iwata (14-1, 11) make his first defense, as he takes on hard hitting Puerto Rican challenger Rene Santiago (13-4, 9) in what should be an explosive fight. Iwata won the title by stopping Jairo Noriega in 3 rounds back in October, making the most of his second world title fight, and learning from his first to not let the judges get involved. In fact since his controversial 2022 loss to Jonathan Gonzalez, we've seen Iwata go 5-0 (5) stopping everyone of his opponents in a combined 21 rounds, with no one lasting beyond 6 rounds. The 32 year old Santiago has been a professional since 2014, and lost 2 of his first 8, to sit with a 6-2 record, all at a very low level. Since then however he has gone 7-2 and faced, and beaten, some good competition, with notable wins against Gerardo Zapatam Kevin Vivas and Ricardo Astuvilca, and he's 4-1 in his last 5, with his only loss in that run being a very competitive one with Jonathan Gonzalez, the man who gave Iwata his one defeat. Both men can bang, both can take a shot, and both are solid boxers, with styles that should gel, with Iwata being the more front foot fighter and Santiago being very capable on the back foot.

The second world title fight on this card will see WBO Flyweight champion Anthony Olascuaga (8-1, 6) make his second defense, and continue to build his growing profile in Japan, as he takes on former 2 weight world champion Hiroto Kyoguchi (19-2, 12). The popular Olascuaga, now fighting in Japan for the 5th time, has started to carve out a really nice role in Japan, where he has grown out of being Junto Nakatani’s close friend to being a world champion and a staple of sorts on these stacked Teiken cards. He won the title last year, stopping Riku Kano, made his first defense in  disappointing fashion against Jonathan Gonzalez, in a bout originally ruled a no contest before being over-turned on review, and now seems his biggest win to date. As for Kyoguchi, the Japanese fighter is a former champion at Minimumweight and Light Flyweight, who moved to Flyweight after losing in a unification bout to Kenshiro Teraji in 2022. Since then he has moved up to Flyweight and gone 301, and not looked the same force that he was at the lower weights. This should be a great clash of styles, and either see Kyoguchi become one of the few 3-weight Japanese world champions or help boost Olascuaga’s ever growing status in the sport.

Having just mentioned Kenshiro Teraji (24-1, 15) it’s worth noting he will be defending his WBC Flyweight title in the main event, as he takes on WBA champion Seigo Yuri Akui (21-2-1, 11) in a rare all-Japanese unification bout. Given how rare all Japanese world title bouts are, it’s worth noting this is Kenshiro’s second in around 2.5 years. Kenshiro was a long reigning champion at 108lbs, with 2 reigns as the WBC champion, but after failing to secure more unification bouts left the division and moved to Flyweight last year and dominated Cristofer Rosales to claim the WBC Flyweight title in October. That was one of Kenshiro’s best performances and he’ll be hoping to build on that here. As for Akui, who is the longest reigning active champion at Flyweight having won his title in January 2024, will be seeking his third defense and building on a solid 2024. Despite having a good 2024 in terms of results Akui lacks a big win, and one over Kenshiro would be massive for his career. In the ring he’s heavy handed, strong but basic, and will almost certainly have to show a new gear here against one of the sport’s most under-rated fighters. Given the styles of the two men this could either be a sensational fight, with Akui pressing, or a show case of Kenshiro’s skills, accuracy and offense.

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Ariake Arena, Koto-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
The main card this coming Sunday is a stacked one form Tokyo, with 4 world title bouts on it, and several bouts on it as Amazon Prime and Teiken Promotions give us one of the best cards of 2024. In fact the day is day 1 of a 2 day event from Teiken and Amazon Prime.

The main event of the card is a mouth watering clash at Bantamweight, as WBA champion Takuma Inoue (20-1, 5) makes his third defence and takes on unbeaten mandatory challenger Seiya Tsutsumi (11-0-2, 8) in a truly brilliant match up. Takuma, the younger brother of Naoya Inoue, is a skilled fighter who has impressed in recent fights, winning his last 7 including notable wins against Shingo Wake, Liborio Solis, Jerwin Ancajas and Sho Ishida. He is still, unfortunately, in the shadow of his bigger brother, but is carving out a solid legacy of his own and has a really under-rated resume. Sadly although a genuine talent Inoue lacks the power of his brother and a lot of his performances, whilst solid, have not been spectacular leading some to believe he is the weak link at 118lbs. As for Tsutsumi the hard hitter from the Kadoebi Gym is one of the top contenders at Bantamweight, having won the Japanese title 2022 and really making the belt his, with 4 defenses over the likes of Jin Minamide, Riku Masuda and Kazuki Anaguchi. Although his reign was solid, arguably the most notable result on his record came before he won the title, when he fought to a draw with Daigo Higa back in 2020. Tsutsumi, in many ways, embodies the Japanese boxing style, with under-rated skills, solid power and incredible determination. He can mix things up, boxing or brawling, but where he really stands out is his will to win, and that should bring the best of of Inoue in what could be a very, very special fight.

The co-feature of the show is mouth watering Flyweight clash, as former unified Light Flyweight champion Kenshiro Teraji (23-1, 14) moves up in weight to take on former champion Cristofer Rosales (37-6, 22) for the vacant WBC Flyweight title which Rosales did hold back for 8 months back in 2018. Aged 32 Kenshiro is one of the few fighters who truly made a home for himself at 108lbs, becoming a 2-time WBC and 1 time WBA champion there, with wins against Ganigan Lopez, Pedro Guevara, Milan Melindo, Jonathan Taconing, Randy Petalcorin, Masamichi Yabuki, Hiroto Kyoguchi, Anthony Olascuaga, Hekkie Budler and Carlos Canizales, among others. He avenged his only defeat, to Yabuki, and carved out a genuine legacy at Light Flyweight whilst amassing one of the best runs in the division. It’s going to be interesting to see if he can match that success at Flyweight. As for Rosales, who is somehow only 30, the Nicaraguan is a true veteran with 43 fights to his name and with bouts in Nicaragua, the UK, Italy, Japan, the USA and Mexico he's proven to be a road warrior. Sadly for him his most notably success came back in 2018, when he upset Daigo Higa for the WBC title, and saw him make one defense, against Paddy Barnes, before losing the belt to Charlie Edwards. Since then he has gone 9-2 (3) with a loss to Julio Cesar Martinez and a loss to Angel Ayala Lardizabal, whilst his most notable wins since losing the belt coming against Joselito Velazquez and Abraham Medina. Rosales is tough, he comes to fight, has under-rated skills and will be looking to repeat the upset he scored last time he fought in Japan, though in many ways he’s up against a more skilled fighter here than he found in Higa, who had failed to make weight. Given the styles this has the potential to be a real thriller, with Kenshiro often happy to be dragged into a firefight and Rosales having the toughness to stand and trade. A potential instant classic here.

Another Flyweight bout on this show will see WBA champion Seigo Yuri Akui (20-2-1, 11) seek his second defense as he takes on Tha challenger Thananchai Charunphak (25-1, 15), in what could well be a really compelling bout, even if it lacks the name value of the WBC title bout. Akui is a dangerous fighter with under-rated power especially early on, with 10 wins coming in the first 3 rounds, but also someone who is capable of pressing and taking rounds, with under-rated skills, as we saw in his first defense against Taku Kuwabara. He’s not without his flaws, but he’s a very strong and very overlooked fighter who’s only losses have come against Junto Nakatani, early in his career, and Jaysever Abcede, when he suffered a hand injury. He’s had a lot of success without a major backer, and it’s fair to say if he keeps his winning run going he’ll finally get a chance to have a huge fight in Okayama. As for Charunphak, the Thai is a very solid fighter who's only loss came very early in his career, against Phongsaphon Panyakum. Since that loss he has scored 24 wins including notable domestic wins against Wittawas Basapean, Suriyan Satorn, Wicha Phulaikhao and Komgrich Nantapech as well as Filipino fighters Jeny Boy Boca and Roland Jay Biendima and most notable Japanese hopeful Kento Hatanaka. Given the styles of both this could be less exciting than some of the others on the show, but is very unlikely to be dull, with styles that should give us a very solid, technically sound, bout.

The lowest weight to be covered on the card is 108lbs, as we’ll see a bout for the vacant WBO Light Flyweight title. In one corner is Japan’s Shokichi Iwata (13-1, 10), who many feel should actually hold this title following a controversial loss to Jonatan Gonzalez in 2022, whilst his opponent will be Spanish fighter Jairo Noriega (14-0, 3). The talented Iwata has long been groomed for success following an excellent amateur career, he won the JBC title in 2021, unified it with the WBO Asia Pacific and OPBF titles in 2022, and as mentioned many feel he should have won the WBO world title later in 2022. Since his loss to Gonzalez he has shown a bit more of a mean streak and gone 4-0 (4) including a notable win over former world champion Rene Mark Curto. As for Noriega the Spanish fighter is stepping up massively for this bout, though he has scored noteworthy wins over Angel Moreno and Azael Villar, and won European honours showing he's a very capable fighter, though this is a step up in class for him. Notably this will not be his first but outside of Spain, having fought Villar in Nicaragua in March, but it's fair to say it's the biggest stage he's fought on, by far.

Yokohama Budokan, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
A second notable Japanese card, run by former world champion Masayuki Ito and his Treasure Boxing Promotions, is set to feature numerous former world champions in a card that could well have gotten major attention, had it not been staged on the same day as the Ariake Arena event.

The main event has the potential to be the best fight of a hectic weekend as former multi-weight world champion John Riel Casimero (33-4-1, 22) takes on the always fun to watch Saul Sanchez (21-3, 12). Casimero is, at best, an enigma who can be sensational, destructive, and a scintillating fighter to watch or can be passive and do nothing and give away rounds. Amazingly he can often be both in the same fighter. He’s a 4 weight champion who has given up two of those titles due to issues making weight, he’s a road warrior who has picked up wins all across the world, from Argentina to China, UK to South Korea, but has also managed to throw away major opportunities, including potential showdown with Naoya Inoue. Now aged 35 it’s hard to know what he has left to offer, but in fairness it’s always been hard to know what he will offer in any round, never mind fight. As for Sanchez the 27 year old from California, is a must watch fighter, with an aggressive style who really could have an unbeaten record had he had some luck. All 3 of his losses are razor thin, with 2 split decision losses and a majority decision loss. Whilst he lacks in terms of "big wins" he has beaten Arthur Villanueva and Franklin Gonzalez, among others, and gave Jason Moloney a real 50-50 fight back in January. Sadly for Sanchez he does lack power, and this will hold him back, but his style makes him popular and this could well be a thrilling 10 rounder.

Whilst the main event is a tasty match up the most interesting, potentially, will be the co-feature which will be a rubber match between Vince Paras (21-2-1, 15) and former 2-weight world champion Hiroto Kyoguchi (18-2, 12). These two clashed back in 2018, with Kyoguchi taking a clear win over Paras to retain the IBF Minimumweight title. The two men would fight again this past May, with Paras taking a much questioned decision over Kyoguchi, who made it clear that he didn't agree with the decision and felt the result was a joke. Now we get a rubber match with both men fully aware a win here likely puts them on the verge of a world title fight in a Flyweight division that, right now, is wide open. We suspect Kyoguchi will fight with the intention of stopping Paras, after the result in May, but Paras is no push over and the aggression of Kyoguchi might come back to haunt him here, much like his passivity at times did in their May contest.

Another former world champion on this show is Yukinori Oguni (21-2-3, 9) who faces Fillipus Nghitumbwa (14-2, 12) in a battle between two former Casimero opponents. Oguni is a former IBF Super Bantamweight champion who is now coming to the end of his career, at the age of 36 and following a previous retirement, though still has plenty of skills and tricks up his sleeve. He is a long way removed from the fighter who beat Yonatan Guzman Pena in 2016, but is still an awkward fighter who can cause problems for much younger fighters. Notably he is unbeaten since 2017, when he was stopped by Ryosuke Iwasa, but he has only gone 2-0-2 since that bout more than 7 years ago, including a technical draw with Casimero. As for Nghitumbwa, he’s a 28 year old from Namibia who lost on debut, in September 2017, and lost to Casimero last year, in his only bout outside of his homeland. As for wins the most notable names that Nghitumbwa has beaten are Korean fighter DeKang Wang and Jonas Matheus, who he has beaten twice after losing on debut against. There is little on his record, but he did give Casimero a real fight last year and could be too hungry for the faded Oguni.

One other former world champion on this card is former WBO Minimumweight champion Masataka Taniguchi (18-4, 12), who faces former WBA “interim” champion Pai Pharob (38-5, 29). On paper, and on paper alone, this looks a really good match up pitting two former world level fighters against each other with each battling for another chance at the top. In reality however it’s hard to see it as anything other than a chance for Taniguchi to get some career momentum going as he looks for a third straight win since losing the WBO world title. Aged 30 he still has ambition to reclaim gold whilst the Thai visitor is 41 years old has lost 4 of his last 8, and 5 of his last 11, and is 0-3 outside of Thailand. And the visitor took this bout on about 2 weeks notice. 

Dongdaemungu Gymnasium, Seoul, South Korea
As well as the action in Japan we also have a pretty noteworthy show in the South Korean capital of Seoul.

The main event will be a 12 rounder between unbeaten fighters as Sirochbek Ismoilov (6-0, 3) and Ji Sub Oh (8-0-1, 4) put their 0’s on the line. Ismoilov, one of many Korean based Uzbekistan born fighters on this show, is 23 years old and has had his entire pro-career, so far, in South Korea. His competition has been rather limited, to say the least, however he does have a notable win over Juanito Paredes back in August for the KBM Lightweight title. He’s clearly early in his career but has shown enough to get excited about and could well be one of the fighters on this card with the tools to make a big name for himself in the future. Oh on the other hand is just 21  made his debut in 2022 and although he looks good on paper, this will be only the second time he has faced a fighter with a winning record, the other being Hyung Shin Chae back in 2022. Oh is the naturally bigger fighter, fighting mostly at Welterweight but is clearly stepping up to take on his most notable opponent to date.

Another good looking and well matched bout will pit Shakhzodbek Sharobiddinov (6-2, 2) against Yang Ji Kim (7-1, 4). The 24 year old Sharobiddinov is a Korean based Uzbekistani fighter who has won his last 4 in a row, including wins over Dong Kwan Lee and Conrado Tanamor, and it's going to be interesting to see what he can do on the Korean scene going forward. Kim on the other hand was beaten on debut, back in 2017, and has had a very stop-start career since then, though has won 7 in a row including one against experienced Filipino Gerpaul Valero. This is an interesting bout on paper and one where both will be coming into the bout looking to continue their unbeaten run.

Arguably the most notable bout on this show will see Korean fighter Sang Heon Oh (9-3-1, 6) take on Faryozbek Dusmatov (2-0, 2). Sang is a 24 year old with mixed results who showed his toughness in March, when he lost a decision to Katsuya Fukui, and recently scored a notable win over Ranelio Quizo. Although no world beater he is tough and his only stoppage came in the 10th round against Runqi Zhou, with the men subsequently fighting to a 10 round draw in a rematch. It is, however, Dusmatov who is the interesting part of this fighter with the former amateur fighter being the younger brother of Hasanboy Dusmatov, and the 20 year old Korean based Uzbekistani fighter is tipped as a major one to watch over the coming decade. It’s still very early to get too excited about him, but this is a solid step up in class, and a win here would certainly help put him on the map, at least regionally, at this early stage.

Antipas Gymnasium, Antipas, Cotabato (del Norte), Philippines
The least notable of the Asian shows comes from the Philippines, where we see some unbeaten prospects look to continue their successful starts.

One of the unbeaten men is Nathaniel Dorona (5-0, 2), who competes in his second 8 rounder as he takes onThai visitor Thani Narinram (3-7), in what is really just another match up to pad Dorona’s record. The Thai has been stopped in 5 of his 7 losses, appears to have no power, and whilst he has fought some good competition he isn’t expected to do much more than be a body here. As for Dorona, questions have to begin regarding when will he began to step up his competition

In a much better looking bout we’re expecting to see fireworks as Angelou Lofranco (3-0, 3) faces Mohaleden Kalibo (2-0, 2). Thai really is anticipated to be a shoot out, and between them they have bever seen round 3, with their combined 5 wins coming in 7 rounds. Don’t blink with this one. Sadly it is a low level fight, and it’s hard to know much about either man, but we don’t expect either to want to wait around in what could be a very fun, short, action packed fight.

PARADISE CITY, Incheon, South Korea
This coming Saturday is an interesting day for fight fans in Asia, with a lot of shows taking place. The most notable of those taking place in South Korea thanks tio Masayuki Ito and his Treasure Promotions, who give us a treat with a genuinely intriguing card.

The main event of the show will see former champion Hiroto Kyoguchi (18-1, 12) take on Vince Paras (20-2-1, 15), in a rematch of a bout we saw back in 2018, when Kyoguchi was the IBF Minimumweight champion and Paras was a something of an unknown Filipino hopeful. Back then Kyoguchi was given a real test by the then 13-0 Para, before moving up in weight and becoming one of the main fighters at Light Flyweight. He’s now turned his attention to the Flyweight division and is seeking his third straight win over a Filipino since losing the WBA Light Flyweight title to Kenshiro in 2022. As for Paras he’s seeking revenge for his first professional loss, and and looking to secure a third straight win over a Japanese fighter, after beating Ayumu Hanada and Kai Ishizawa last year. Although Kyoguchi will be the favourite, this is a really good matchup and a great headliner.

The chief support bout will see OPBF Middleweight champion Kazuto Takesako (16-1-1, 15) defending his title against Tej Pratap Singh (18-7-3-1, 8), in what is the first defense of Takesako’s second reign. The hard hitting Japanese fighter was beaten last time he fought in South Korea, being stopped by Meiirim Nursultanov last year, but bounced back by stopping Woo Hyun Ma for the vacant OPBF title. It’s clear his potential isn’t that of a world champion, but he is a very fan friendly fighter with brutal power, and a leaky defense. As for Singh the bout gives him a chance to bounce back from a 6th round loss to Deok No Yun, in what was a WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title fight. Sadly for Singh the Australian is now 37 and clearly coming to the end of his career, with the loss to Yun being the first stoppage loss on his record, and we wouldn't be surprised by a second here.

The third bout of note on this card will see former world champion Masataka Taniguchi (17-4, 11) take on Filipino veteran Jaysever Abcede (22-13, 13). For Taniguchi, who shares a card with close friend and Watanabe Gym stablemate Kyoguchi for the first time in years, this is really a must win, and in fact it’s a bout where he needs to look good in victory. Taniguchi lost the WBO Minimumweight title in January 2023 and in his only bout since then he struggle past veteran Kenichi Horikawa, who was stopped in his subsequent bout. There is some fear that Taniguchi may well be on the back end of his career, though we’re not likely to learn much here. Abcede was once one of the best regional journeymen, and could spring upsets, as we saw against Wicha Phulaikhao in 2015, and Yutthana Kaensa and Seigo Yuri Akui, both in 2018. Sadly though it does appear his toughness has deteriorated recently and he's been topped in 3 of his last 4 bouts and has lost 4 of his last 6. Anything but an impressive win for Taniguchi would be a surprise here.

Yodogawa Ward Center, Osaka, Osaka, Japan
Over in Japan we have a low key show in Osaka, with many of the bouts on the card being 4 rounders. The only bout that isn’t a 4 rounder will be an 8 rounder between Daiki Asai (3-2, 3) and Kazuhiro Imamura (2-3-1, 1), in what looks like a really compelling main event, though one that is easy to overlook if you don’t follow the Japanese scene. Both, Asai and Imamura, were decent amateurs before turning professional and being thrown in deep from the off. In just 6 bouts Imamura has faced the likes of Juki Tatsuyoshi and Yoshiki Takei, and despite starting his career 2-0 has gone 0-3-1 in his last 4, leaving him in desperate need of a win. As for Asai he debuted against Kyonosuke Kameda and has never faced a fighter with a losing record, despite losing 2 of his first 4 bouts. Unfortunately neither man has shown real grit and toughness, but both are well schooled and this should be a really compelling bout, for as long as it lasts.

Sumulong Park Manuel L. Quezon St. Antipolo City, Antipolo City, Rizal, Philippines
We also have a low key show in the Philippines as the limited but hard hitting Jufel Salina (9-5-1, 7) takes on the experienced Pablito Canada (8-25-6, 2). Canada, who is earning a reputation as a dirty fighter, showed he can be a banana skin in 2022, when he stopped Michael Casama, but since then he has gone 0-4-1. Notably Canada’s fights tend to involve headbutts, and he’s been DQ’d twice in his last 7 bouts. As for Salina he is riding a 4 fight winning run since being stopped in Japan in 2022 by Reo Saito, and although no world beater, he definitely seems like he has the potential to mix on the fringes of regional level and should come out on top here.

Malaysia
In Malaysia there’s a scheduled show, which is supposed to feature a bout between local fighter Daeloniel McDelon (6-3-1, 3) and Thai visitor Yutthichai Wannawong (18-15, 12), with the men facing off for the WBC Asian Silver Super Bantamweight title. Sadly the bout devalues an already worthless trinket, with McDelon having a paper thin record, and the visitor proving to be something of a super fragile glass cannon, who has been stopped 13 of his 15 professional losses. 

Domo Alcalde, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
The main bout for us this coming Saturday comes from Mexico where we see the WBA Light Flyweight title being unified, as the "super" champion Hiroto Kyoguchi (15-0, 10) takes on "regular" champion Esteban Bermudez (14-3-2, 10), in what should be a wonderfully explosive war. The unbeaten Kyoguchi has, sadly, not fought since beaten Alex Aragon Vega back in March 2021 and with more than a year out of the ring he has lost much of the momentum he's hard, which was already slowed due to the Pandemic that kept him on the sidelines for 2020. Despite that he will be the favourite here and will be hungry to leave Mexico as the WBA king, and as a man in a great position to set up unifications. As for Bermudez he has been inactive for almost as long, haven't not fought since his huge upset win over Carlos Canizales in May 2021, for the WBA title. That win aside there is little on Bermudez's record, but that win was a destructive one against a top divisional talent. We expect this to be a really, really exciting battle. Our in depth preview of this bout can be read here Kyoguchi and Bermudez battle for WBA supremacy
 
Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Verona, New York, USA
Staying in the West we'll also see Big Uzbek Heavyweight hopeful Bakhodir Jalolov (10-0, 10) headline take on Belgian based Congolese born fight Jack Mulowayi (11-2-1, 7). On paper this looks like a great chance to Jalolov to break out as a professional, making the most a great opportunity on a ShowBox card. The Unbeaten 27 year old has promised a lot, but lacks a major win as a professional, and a win here won't change that, but will help him connect with fans and help open doors in the future for him. As for Mulowayi he's best known for going the distance with Frank Sanchez in 2019, and since then has gone 4-0 (4) and done so on the road, with a very notable win in Russia against Apti Davtaev. This is, on paper, a step up for Jalolov, but a step up he should make en route to some much bigger fights later in the year.
 
Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan
In Asia it's self we are also set to get a 4 round Dangan card, as Dangan Promotions and Watanabe Promotions work together. Sadly this card doesn't have any sort of notable fighter on the show, but as with all the 4 round bouts like this the action is quick, fun and typically exciting, with young fighters looking to kick their career off and make an immediate impact.
 
On this particular card there are two bouts we want to briefly touch on. One bout will see 18 year old debutant Ryoma Yamamoto (0-0) take on the unbeaten Kensuke Suzuki (4-0, 1), up at Welterweight. Yamamoto is only 18 and is small for a Welterweight, even by Japanese standards, but will be go into this bout with the hope of picking  up a debut win. As for Suzuki he's not a puncher but he is an unbeaten 22 year old looking to secure his 5th win in less than 2 years.
 
The other bout worthy of attention, albeit for a very different reason, is an all debutant bout between 34 year old Yasuomi Soda (0-0) and the brilliantly named 33 year old Anju The Bull (0-0), a Japanese based Indian fighter. There really isn't much to add here, but Anju The Bull is a great name, and with this bout taking place at Middleweight we are expecting some really explosive action here.

Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan
Action returns to Korakuen Hall this coming Monday for a Watanabe and Dangan co-promoted card. This is a small card, with just 3 bouts on it in total, but it is also a very notable card, with all 3 bouts being title contests. As well as the 3 bouts, fans will also get an exhibition featuring one of the biggest stars in Japanese boxing, who makes a long awaited return to Korakuen Hall.
 
Also it's worth noting all of these bouts were originally scheduled to take place in May, but were delayed due to the Sumida City Gymnasium being closed during the recent State of Emergency in various Japanese regions.
 
The main event of the show will see Japanese Minimuwmeight champion Masataka Taniguchi (13-3, 8) making his first defense, as he takes on the once beaten Tatsuro Nakashima (11-1-1, 7). Taniguchi won the Japanese title late last year, winning the belt in his second shot at it, and he could end up having a very strong reign if he and his team are happy with him developing on the Japanese scene for the next few years. The talented champion will have hopes of winning a world title one day, but for now he's best off developing, getting some experience and fighting at this level. As for Nakashima he's a decent fighter, but it does feel like he's ill prepared for a bout with Taniguchi. He lost in 2018 to Kai Ishizawa and narrowly got past Ariston Aton in 2019. Nakashima has the potential to win a Japanese title, but we suspect he's getting this shot too soon in his career, and before he's really ready. Our in depth preview of this bout can be read here Taniguchi hunts first defense as he takes on Nakashima
 
In another of the title bouts we'll see former world champion Yuko Kuroki (17-6-2, 8) battle against the unbeaten Mizuki Chimoto (2-0, 1) for the vacant OPBF female Minimumweight title. For Kuroki this really is a must win bout, she's more than 3 years removed from her last win, she's 1-2-1 in her last 4, and was last seen fighting to a draw with veteran Nao Ikeyama. The now 30 year old Kuroki went from looking like a woman on the verge of stardom to a woman who boxing has seemingly forgot. Another loss here and it'll be really hard for her to bounce back. As for the 27 year old Chimoto, she was a good amateur who has been on the fast track since making her debut in late 2018 and it's great to see her fighting for a title, against a former world champion, this early in her career. Our preview for this bout can be read here Chimoto steps up to take on former world champion Kuroki in third pro  bout!

The third title bout will see Kanako Taniyama (3-1-1, 1) and Yuko Henzan (8-10-4, 2)  clash for the vacant Japanese female Bantamweight title. Both of these women are 34 years old and neither can really afford another set at this point. Taniyama turned professional with plenty of attention but has struggled to make a mark in pro boxing, something she was expected to do very easily. Henzan on the other hand has lost her last 3, and is limited, but has the clear edge in experience and will know that this is almost certainly going to be her final shot at a title. This could end up being a bit of a messy fight, with desperation setting in from both women, but with only 6 rounds it could also be a frantic and exciting one. Our in depth preview for this one is here Taniyama and Henzan battle for Japanese female title! 

As well as the three bouts the card will also feature an exhibition bout, with WBA "super" Light Flyweight champion Hitoro Kyguchi (15-0, 10) showcasing his skills before the main event. Sadly at the time of writing his "opponent" hasn't been named.

This coming Saturday is set  to be a great day for fight fans, some major bouts taking place around the globe, some with and some without Asian fighters involved. For fight fans who have been starved of big fights this month, things really do step up a gear this weekend.

American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
The biggest show of the day, by far, is from Texas where we see the long awaited rematch between Roman Gonzalez and Juan Francisco Estrada as well as the massive  female rematch between Jessica McCaskill and Cecilia Braekhus.

The show will also feature the US debut of Japanese star Hiroto Kyoguchi (14-0, 9), as he looked to defend his Ring Magazine and WBA "super" Light Flyweight titles against Mexican youngster Axel Aragon Vega (14-3-1, 8). 

Kyoguchi turned professional in 2016 and raced away to his first world title, the IBF Minimumweight title, before moving up in weight in 2018, and winning the WBA Light Flyweight title in Macau, by stopping Hekkie Budler. Since winning the title he has defended the belt twice, and had planned to defend the title in 2020, before he had one bout cancelled due to Covid19 in May and then had to cancel a second bout when he himself tested positive. For the 20 year old Vega, who also debuted in 2016, this will be his second shot at a title, following a 2019 loss to WBO Minimumweight champion Wilfredo Mendez. Despite putting in a good performance against Mendez, and running him close, it's assumed this will be too much, too soon, for the Mexican youngster as he takes on one of the best Light Flyweights out there. Our in depth preview of this world title fight can be read here Kyoguchi makes his US debut, takes on Vega!

Workpoint Studio, Bang Phun, Thailand
Before the Texas card DAZN we get the chance to see an interesting Thai card, featuring a man who holds a win over both Roman Gonzalez and Juan Francisco Estrada, and two very promising Thai prospects.

The man who has beaten both Estrada and Gonzalez is, of course, former 2-time WBC Super Flyweight champion Srisaket Sor Rungvidai (49-5-1, 42), who looks to kick his 2021 campaign off with a tune up bout. In the opposite corner to the destructive southpaw will be former world WBA Minimumweight world champion Kwanthai Sithmorseng (50-7-1, 27). The hard hitting Srisaket is expected to face the winner of the Gonzalez Vs Estrada rematch later in the year, and is the WBC mandatory challenger for the winner. Rather than risking that title shot he'll be up against someone who has been stopped in 4 of his last 7, and scored his last major win more than a decade ago. Thankfully NKL and Work Point, in Thailand, are not dressing this up as a serious match up, and neither will we. This should be a regarded as a tune up for Srisaket before a big fight later in the year, and nothing else.

In a really good supporting bout WBC Asian Boxing Council Super Flyweight champion Phongsaphon Panyakum (11-1, 6) will be defending his title against former Naoya Inoue opponent Karoon Jarupianlerd (44-10, 20), also known as Petchbarngborn Kokietgym. The once beaten Phongsaphon has reeled off 11 straight wins since a loss, on debut, to Kai Ishizawa, and has looked like a genuinely promising young prospect in recent bouts. Despite now having 10 losses to his name Karoon is certainly no push over, and he gave talented youngster Nattapong Jankaew genuine fits last November, and could end up being a very game challenger here. Aged 35 now Karoon has seen better days but mixing with the likes of Inoue, Akira Yaegashi, Kohei Kono and Sho Ishida has seen him pick up some tricks and he's a good domestic gatekeeper for the Thai scene.

In another good supporting bout the unbeaten Chainoi Worawut (13-0-1, 12) will be defending his WBC Asian Boxing Council Super Bantamweight title, as he takes on former 2-time WBO Bantamweight champion Pungluang Sor Singyu (54-9, 36). The hard hitting Chainoi has been really exciting and destructive since beginning his professional career back in 2018, and despite an early draw he has looked like one of the most promising young Thai's in the sport. Despite looking promising he has been matched relatively softly and this is a genuine step up in class for him. Pungluang is very much a faded force from what he once was, but he's still a handful and his pressure and work rate should guarantee a really fun fight here. He might be past his best but Pungluang doesn't really understand how to take a step backwards and even got a fun and exciting fight out of Amnat Ruenroeng. We expect this to be a bit of a sleeper hit.

Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan
It's fair to say that February is set to be a very, very quiet month with less action scheduled for the month than there was in January, also a super quiet month. Thankfully however this coming Thursday there is a notable show taking place at Korakuen Hall, and it's a genuinely exciting card with a Japanese Youth title fight and Japanese title fight both set for the show. Better than that, is the fact both of the title fights look very, very even and very interesting on paper..
 
The show only has 4 bouts on it in total. The most interesting of those will see Shinnosuke Kimoto (6-4, 2) take on Shota Ogasawara (5-3, 3) in a 6 round Super Bantamweight bout. Incidentally this is their second bout, but more about that in a moment. Coming in to this Kimoto is looking to rebound from a majority decision loss to talented youngster Tom Mizokoshi, a loss than ended a 2-fight winning run for him. As for Ogasawa he'll be fighting for the first time in over a year, following his loss in the 2019 All Japan Rookie of the Year. Although he lost last time out in a notable bout  Ogasawara is better for a different loss, his thrilling 2019 loss to Ryugo Ushijima. As mentioned these two have fought before, with Ogasawara beating Kimoto back in 2017, in what was Kimoto's debut. Fair to say Kimoto will want revenge here!
 
The first of the two title fights on the show will see Ryu Horikawa (3-0-1, 1) clash with Yudai Shigeoka (2-0, 1) in a sensational looking Japanese Youth Light Flyweight title fight, for the vacant title. The 20 year old Horikawa impressed in his 2019 debut and impressed even more in his second professional bout, when he beat Yuki Nakajima, though was unlucky in his third bout when he was controversially held to a draw in China against Xiang Li. Horikawa is a very skilled and quick boxer-mover and will be looking to make the most of his slick footwork here. On the other hand Shigeoka, the older brother of Ginjiro Shigeoka, looked promising on debut and sensational in his second bout, as he calmly outboxed OPBF Lito Dante over 6 rounds. Shigeoka looks the more imposing fighter, the physically stronger and more polished, but also the man with the slower footwork. This should be a genuinely fantastic match up, and a really high level bout between two sensational youngsters. Our preview of this bout can be read here Horikawa and Shigeoka battle for Youth crown in Tokyo! 

In the main event we'll see Japanese Featherweight champion Ryo Sagawa (10-1, 5) defend his belt against mandatory challenger Hinata Maruta (10-1-1, 8), in a bout that was originally scheduled for 2020 but was delayed due to Covid19. For Sagawa this will be his third defense since beating Reiya Abe for the vacant title in 2019 and he looks to continue an excellent 9 fight winning run which has seen him defeat Junki Sasaki, Ryo Matsumoto, Al Toyogon and the aforementioned Abe. The champion has looked fantastic in recent bouts, but there are question marks about his chin and durability. On the other hand Maruta, who turned professional with a lot of buzz, has failed to meet the expectations put on his young shoulders, however a win here would see that buzz return. Aged just 23 Maruta has the tools to go a very, very long way, but a 2017 loss to Hidenori Otake slowed his rise and a controversial draw against Ben Mananquil also slowed him down. Coming in this the challenger has won his last 3, and has shown a more aggressive side to his boxing than earlier in his career. Our in depth preview of this bout can be read here Sagawa and Maruta clash at last, in Japanese title bout! 

Yoyogi First Gym, Tokyo, Japan
As well as the show at Korakuen Hall there will also be a special event at the Yoyogi 1st Gym in Tokyo. This however isn't one you'll find on Boxrec and is instead a charity event where we'll get 7 exhibition bouts, and nothing that will go down on a fighters record. Despite that it's something that is worth being aware of, in part due to the fighters featured on it, including several world champions, amateur standouts and genuine Japanese stars.
 
One of those will be an potential dream bout as WBA "Super" and Ring Magazine Light Flyweight champion Hiroto Kyoguchi (14-0, 9) shares the ring with the now retired Akira Yaegashi (28-7, 16), who himself held the IBF Light Flyweight title along with titles at Minimumweight and Flyweight. It's a shame the careers of these two didn't over-lap as this is a brilliant match up.
 
Another retired former world champion on this show will be former WBA Super Featherweight champion Takashi Uchiyama (24-2-1, 20) who will be in the ring with current Japanese national Super Featherweight champion Kosuke Saka (21-5, 18). Although Uchiyama would be strongly favoured to win, had the two men clashed for real, this could be an interesting exhibition, especially given that Uchiyama is in fantastic condition.
 
A third former world champion included in the event is former WBO Flyweight champion Sho Kimura (19-3-2, 12) who will be battling with former K-1 fighter Yoshiki Takei (0-0), who makes his professional boxing debut in March. Whilst not the greatest match up it will be a chance to see what Takei brings as a boxer, and we always love seeing Sho Kimura in the ring.
 
Former world title challenger Takeshi Inoue (17-1-1, 10) will be taking on amateur standout Yuito Moriwaki in one of several bouts between professional fighters and amateurs. Another of these will see 140lb hopeful Andy Hiraoka (16-0, 11) share the ring with Japanese Olympian Daisuke Narimatsu and the a third will see Japanese Youth champion Jin Sasaki (10-0, 9) [佐々木尽] face off with the very highly regarded Seon Okazawa.
 
We've saved the best until last, and that's a bout between WBA "super" and IBF Bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue (20-0, 17) and former WBC Flyweight kingpin Daigo Higa (17-1-1, 17) [比嘉 大吾], in what should be a sensational exhibition bout over 3 rounds and something worthy of paying the hefty admission fee for. This is two big names, both in their primes, facing off in a bit of a dream fight, even if it is just an exhibition.

This coming Tuesday is a very interesting day in Japan with a world title show in Osaka and a Rookie of the Year show in Tokyo. It might not be the biggest day of the year, but it really does having boxing at the two opposite ends of the spectrum.
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Intex Osaka, Osaka, Osaka, Japan
We'll start with the show in Osaka which is the much, much bigger show and will have the main event streamed live on Hiroto Kyoguchi's own YouTube channel.

The main event will see the aforementioned Hiroto Kyoguchi (14-0, 9) defending his Ring Magazine and WBA "super" Light Flyweight titles against unbeaten Thai youngster Thanongsak Simsri (14-0, 12). For Kyoguchi the bout will be his third defense of the title and will see him trying to put a frustrating 2020 behind him, with the fighting missing out on a scheduled summer title defense. He'll enter as the big favourite, and will be looking to end the year on a high. As for Simsri this is a massive step up for the heavy handed Thai, though given he's still a boxing baby we wouldn't write him off if he lose here. Simsri has been impressive, but is still very much a prospect. Given the power of the two men, and the aggressive styles both have we expect this to be an action packed bout, but it should be man against boy. Our in depth preview of this bout can be read here Kyoguchi and Simsri battle for WBA title!

In a great supporting bout we'll see the unbeaten, and very talented, Jinki Maeda (5-0, 3) look to build on his 2019 Rookie of the Year triumph as he takes on the once beaten Kaito Okubo (5-1, 2). We've been really impressed by Maeda, and he shone last time out, taking out Arashi Iimi in 2 rounds, and we have to favour him here, but it's not a gimmie. Okubo has noticed back to back wins since his sole defeat and is the naturally bigger, taller man. Okubo will be the under-dog, but is an awkward proposition for Maeda and should ask some testing questions of the unbeaten hopeful.
 
Another supporting bout will see the light punching Sonin Nihei (9-5-2, 1) battle veteran Shunji Nagata (12-18-2, 4). The 26 year old Nihei has lost 4 of his last 5 and is very much in need of a win if he's every going to manage to do anything of note with his career. At the age of 35 Nagata has seen better days, but is much better than his record suggests and has been competitive with much younger fighters. We see this one being a bout that is easy to over-look but it should be very entertaining, even if neither man has much pop on their shots.
 
Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan
Over in Tokyo we see bouts as part of the East Japan Rookie of the Year. We won't go through all of the bouts on this show, given there's 12 of them, but we have picked 3 interesting ones off the show.
 
In a Featherweight bout we'll see unbeaten men colliding with Ryo Yoshida (2-0, 1) taking on Yuya Hirose (3-0-1, 2). Both of these men won back on September 25th, though did so in very different fashion. Yoshida went through a war with Ricky Hasegawa, in what was a sensational bout, whilst Hirose beat the controversial Leon Yamaguchi with a very wide decision. We expect this one to be really fun given how both men looked last time pout
 
At Super Featherweight 20 year old banger Tsubasa Narai (4-0, 3) will be looking to secure his 5th straight as he battles the experienced Hiromichi Komatsu (4-5-2, 4). We've been impressed by Narai and despite Komatsu's record he can certainly punch so this one is expected to be explosive. Don't blink, this one could be over very early, and could see a lot of dynamite thrown, very early.
 
On the subject of don't blink it's worth noting that Aito Abe (2-0, 2) will be in action here against Shunpei Kubo (5-1, 3), in a Super Flyweight bout. Abe's last bout was a 17 second blitz against Kentaro Omori in early September and he's yet to see the end of the first round. Kubo has got rounds under his belt but his only loss was a stoppage and we suspect Abe will be looking to set a high pace and close the show quickly here. Another one where blink is not advised!

Osaka, Japan
Attention turns to Osaka this coming Tuesday for the first notable show of October, which features a world title fight, a bout featuring a #1 contender and a fight with a promising prospect.
 
The world title bout is an all-Japanese contest that pits Hiroto Kyoguchi (13-0, 9) against Tetsuya Hisada (34-9-2, 20). The bout will see Kyoguchi looking to make his second defense of the WBA "super" and Ring Magazine Light Flyweight titles as he takes on the very experienced Hisada, who's biggest success has been at the Japanese domestic level. The talented and aggressive Kyoguchi is strongly favoured here, and is expected to move on to world title unification bouts in the near future. At 34, and soon to be 35, it's now or never for Hisada and this is likely to be his only shot at a world title. Interestingly this bout is an all Osakan affair, with both men being from Osaka Prefecture. A full preview of this bout can be read here Kyoguchi takes on Hisada in Osakan showdown!

In the chief support bout the WBA #1 ranked Featherweight Hiroshige Osawa (35-5-4, 21) will fight in a stay busy bout against Indonesian Jason Butar Butar (30-26-1, 19). The Japanese fighter is hoping to land a second world title fight, potentially against Can Xu in 2020, so can ill afford a slip up here and can't look past Butar Butar. Saying that however the Indonesian has lost both of his previous fights in Japan and isn't regarded as much of a threat given his struggles against weak domestic opponents so far.
 
In another supporting bout we'll see second generation fighter Kaiki Yuba (5-0-2, 3), the son of former 5-weight Japanese national champion Tadashi Yuba, take on 22 year old Mikado Konishi (6-2, 4). Yuba has had some misfortune recently, resulting in 2 of his last 4 bouts ending in technical decisions. The unbeaten southpaw will be doing all he can to avoid that here. Konishi is less proven, and touted, than Yuba, but he is a threat here with his power and toughness and could be a genuine test for Yuba in this 6 rounder.

Chiba, Japan
This coming Wednesday attention turns to Chiba for a world title triple header. The show not only has a trio of world title bout but also features a couple of promising Japanese prospects, both taking a step up in class.
 
The main event of the show will see Japanese 3-weight world champion Kazuto Ioka (23-2, 13) have his second shot at the WBO Super Flyweight title, as he takes on Filipino puncher Aston Palicte (25-2-1, 21), who also gets his second shot at the title. These two both fought Donnie Nietes for the vacant title late year, with Palicte earning a draw and Ioka suffering a narrow loss, and with Nietes vacating the title to pursue a legacy defining fight, the two men get the chance to face off with each looking to make the most of their second chance. This should be a high skilled battle between two very talented fighters, with very different strengths. We're not expecting a FOTY style war, but we are expecting a very, very good bout. Our preview on this bout is available here Ioka and Palicte vie for vacant WBO crown!
 
Another fantastic looking world title fight will see unbeaten men collide, with WBA Light Flyweight "Super" champion Hiroto Kyoguchi (12-0, 9) defending his title against unbeaten Thai challenger Satanmuanglek CP Freshmart (11-0, 5) , aka Tanawat Nakoon. For Kyoguchi this will be his first defense, following his title at the end of 2018 against Hekkie Budler. The Japanese star will be strongly favoured here but it should be noted that the Thai challenger is a former Muay Thai stand out and should not be regarded as a push over. This should be very interesting and a real chance to see if the Thai is a legitimate threat in the world of professional boxing. Our preview of this bout is available here Kyoguchi takes on unbeaten Thai challenger Satanmuanglek 

The third of the world title fights will see a second WBO Super Flyweight world champion being crowned, this time the female champion as in form Japanese fighter Miyo Yoshida (12-1) takes on Casey Morton (8-1-3, 1). Yoshida has managed to win Japanese and OPBF female titles on her climb up to this bout, but this is a bet test on paper, an her first 10 round bout. It should noted that whilst this should be Yoshida's toughest bout to date Morton did not impress in her her last bout at Super Flyweight, when she was clearly beaten by Thai foe Jutamas Jitpong and it could be that she just isn't suited to the 115lb weight class. Our preview of this bout is available here Yoshida and Morton battle for vacant WBO world title! 

The more notable of the prospects on this card is the talented Shu Utsuki (4-0, 3), who looks to build on his stoppage win over Jerry Castroverde as he takes on Japanese based Venezuelan Omrri Bolivar (8-1, 3). Utsuki seems on his way to getting a title fight in the next 12 months or so and this is a really good step up in class, against a talented and often over-looked foe. The 28 year old Bolivar is no world beater but he's solid on the fringes of domestic level and should give Utsuki some tough rounds.
 
The other prospect on this card is former amateur stand out Shisui Kawabata (1-0, 1), who made his debut earlier this year. The 23 year old Japanese fighter had been touted as one to watch before his debut, back in March, but was surprisingly dropped in his first pro bout. He'll be hoping for a better performance here as he takes on Thai visitor Mongkol Kamsommat (5-4, 4). It should be noted the Thai is 0-2 in Japan, but did go 7 rounds last year with Kenichi Horikawa and is certainly better than his record suggests. This could be a real test for Kawabata.