On the 21st (22nd Japan Time) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, top-ranked contender Andy Hiraoka (Ohashi) is set to challenge WBA Super Lightweight Champion Gary Antuanne Russell (USA). After arriving in Las Vegas on the evening of the 19th, both fighters successfully made weight on the 20th. Hiraoka tipped the scales at 139.5 lbs (63.27 kg), while Russell weighed in at the 140 lb limit (63.50 kg). This bout marks the first title defense for Russell.
計量に合格し食事をとる平岡（大橋ジム提供写真）
This title fight was originally scheduled for November 14 of last year. However, after Gervonta Davis (USA), the WBA interim lightweight champion, became involved in off-ring trouble, the main-event exhibition bout was abruptly canceled. As a result, Russell vs. Hiraoka was postponed.
Further complications followed. Hiraoka had planned to travel to the United States 10 days before the fight, but due to work visa issues, he was only able to arrive on site two days before the bout.
“Honestly, I even thought the fight might fall through,” he admitted. “But if it were postponed again, there’s no telling when the next opportunity would come. I’m just glad the fight is happening at this timing. Now, all that’s left is to perform.”
佐々木尽のエールを受けて必勝態勢の平岡㊨（大橋ジム提供写真）
After weighing in, Andy Hiraoka (24-0, 19 KOs; age 29) showcased a confident muscle pose before maintaining a composed smile during the face-off. He appeared to have a significant height advantage over Gary Antuanne Russell. When Russell (18-1, 17 KOs; age 29) spoke to him afterward, Hiraoka responded with a light, respectful pat on the back.
Chairman Hideyuki Ohashi has already joined the team on-site. Following the weigh-in, while Hiraoka was refueling with a post-scale meal, fellow fighter Jin Sasaki (Hachioji Nakaya) also stopped by to offer his encouragement.
The event features the Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia WBC Welterweight title match as the main event. The Russell vs. Hiraoka bout is scheduled to begin around 6:45 PM local time (11:45 AM on the 22nd, Japan time).
