May 4th 2019-Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan
Shokichi Iwata (1-0, 1) vs Daiki Kameyama (7-2-1, 2)

This past weekend we saw former amateur stand out  Shokichi Iwata [岩田翔吉] make his Japanese debut, taking on 2018 Rookie of the Year winner Daiki Kameyama [亀山大輝]

August 7th 2013- Japan
Takuma Inoue (N/a) Vs Shokichi Iwata (N/a)

Right now we're keeping a close eye on the Inoue family. We know Naoya Inoue has broken out from the crowd and in the next year or two we expect to see the same from his younger brother Takuma Inoue. Both of the Inoue's were outstanding amateur fighters and a lot of the expectation on their shoulders comes from that amateur background. Sadly however not all good amateurs turn professional and one of those better amateurs to have remained in the unpaid ranks, at least for now, is Shokichi Iwata. Iwata and Takuma traded blows in the 2013 Interscholastic Light Flyweight final and and what a good fight it was.

Notably Iwata had beaten another hotly tipped youngster, Kosei Tanaka, in the semi-final of this tournament!

(Video courtesy of Takaetu Inoue)