西田㊧と枝川会長 photo/Naoki Fukuda

The IBF Super Bantamweight Interim Title bout was arranged because Naoya Inoue (Ohashi), the four-organization unified champion, has no fights scheduled for the time being. Former bantamweight champion Nishida, who defeated Vazquez in February to earn the title shot, will face Goodman.
At the press conference, Nishida shared his impressions of Goodman, saying, “He has good balance, can fight at any range, and seems mentally strong,” before calmly adding, “I’ve been training so that I can outclass him at any range.”
Goodman is the man who once missed two opportunities to challenge Naoya Inoue due to his own injuries. Last summer, he challenged Nick Ball (UK) at featherweight but lost by decision, prompting him to return to super bantamweight.
Nishida expressed his determination, saying, “Although it’s an interim title, I believe that if I win this, I’ll have opportunities for various fights, so first and foremost, I absolutely cannot lose.” In addition to reigning champion Naoya Inoue, a rematch in the super bantamweight division against Junto Nakatani (M.T.)—to whom he lost in last year’s bantamweight unification bout—is likely to come into view. Chairman Takashi Edagawa, who won the rights to host this fight in Japan by outbidding Goodman’s camp, is also focusing on the opponent at hand, saying, “I think Nishida has really gotten stronger since moving up to the super bantamweight division,” and expressing his hope for Nishida’s victory.
Nishida has a record of 11 wins (2 KOs) and 1 loss. Goodman has a record of 22 wins (8 KOs) and 1 loss.

メキシコ合宿へ旅立った亀田

As Kameda prepared to challenge Brandon Figueroa (29, USA) for the WBA world featherweight title, he searched for a sparring partner but couldn’t find anyone in Japan or abroad who resembled Figueroa. Consequently, he decided to travel to Mexico to seek out Navarrete, with whom he had sparred during his super bantamweight days.
“The Navarrete camp, which is aiming to win all three major titles, also offered to spar with me. I think it’s been eight years since we last sparred, but Navarrete is in a higher weight class and is a stronger fighter than Figueroa. Navarrete’s gym is located 800 meters higher than Mexico City, which sits at an elevation of 2,000 meters, so I think training in that tough environment will build my stamina. “In any case, I’m going to strengthen my cardiovascular system and build a body capable of moving for about 20 rounds,” Kameda said with high spirits.
“I went to Mexico when I was 15 and have gained a lot of experience since then. I feel like this is my last chance, so I want to give it my all and draw on all that experience.” His Mexican wife and two children also boarded the flight to Mexico, but while his family will stay at his wife’s parents’ home, Kameda will split off to stay at Navarrete’s home and focus entirely on becoming a three-division champion. “The date and time of the fight haven’t been announced yet, but I’ll head down to sea level a week before the fight and make my way to the venue,” he said.
“I’ve fought 47 times so far, and my motivation is sky-high to face Figueroa—the strongest opponent I’ve ever faced—on his home turf. When I return home, I’ll be bringing back my third weight-class belt.” Kameda hopes to seize this big opportunity—which may be his last—and is eager to face Naoya Inoue (Ohashi).
Kameda’s record stands at 42 wins (23 KOs) and 5 losses.

S・フェザー級は開催中のフェニックスバトルトーナメント優勝者にカーニバル出場権

■Minimumweight: Masatora Okada (Kadoebi Jewel) vs. Issa Sakata (S&K)
■Light Flyweight: TBD
■Flyweight: Ryo Sakai (Hatanaka) vs. Isse Hirota (Morishita)
■Super Flyweight: Kantaro Jyuri (Shisei) vs. Ryusei Baba (EBISU K’s BOX)
■Bantamweight: Sento Ito (Shinsei) vs. Towa Tsuji (KWORLD3)
■Super Bantamweight: Katsuya Fukui (Teiken) vs. Kaito Yamazaki (Rokushima)
■Featherweight: Kaishu Harada (Mitsuki) vs. Junya Shimada (Shisei)
■Super Featherweight: Phoenix Battle Super Featherweight Tournament
■Lightweight: To Be Announced
■Super Lightweight: Kotaro Sekine (Watanabe) vs. Shota Tashita (Takumi)
■Welterweight: Takafumi Shibata (Green Tsuda) vs. Takahiko Kobayashi (Ichiriki)
■Super Welterweight: Rikuto Adachi (Ohashi) vs. Masaya Tamayama (Teiken)
■Middleweight: Issei Aramoto (Teiken) vs. Ryusei Kurobe (World Sports)

*The fighter on the left is the higher-ranked contender.
The “Strongest Challenger Tournament” is a regular event held by the association in which top-ranked fighters in each weight class compete for the right to participate in next spring’s Champion Carnival (and challenge for the Japanese title).
This time, the winner of the Super Featherweight Prize Money Tournament will earn the right to challenge at the Carnival. That tournament, in which all ranked Super Featherweight fighters are participating, has been underway for a year. Following the semifinals in September, the final scheduled for December will also serve as the “Strongest Challenger Tournament.”
Another major talking point is the participation of Ito, the WBO Asia-Pacific champion in the bantamweight division. This adds even more pressure on Ito to win his first title defense (September 5, vs. Vilalosa).

２戦目に臨むキングこと藤木　Naoki Fukuda

Also on this day, Yuga Fujiki (Ohashi)—a promising prospect who won his professional debut in June—will make his second professional appearance. This time, he’ll face Jufel Salina of the Philippines in an 8-round bout at 61 kg.
Fujiki, who stopped Wira Mikam (Thailand) in the second round in his professional debut, says, “I’m still not satisfied with that performance.” Both he and his trainer, Seiichi Okada, describe Salina (11 wins, 8 KOs, 7 losses, 1 draw), a southpaw, as “aggressive and a hard hitter.” It will be interesting to see how Fujiki handles a left-handed opponent.
“Right now, I’m focusing on getting used to the professional level,” Fujiki said, and he appears to be progressing smoothly in his sparring sessions. He is reportedly sparring with senior fighters such as OPBF Lightweight Champion Taiga Imanaga and Reito Takahashi (Punch Out). To make matches against Japan’s top fighters a reality, the rising star stated, “I’ll keep training with the goal of getting closer to the title belt.”

■ Another Exciting Match: Nakajima vs. Daivan for the OPBF Featherweight Title
Also on the same card, the OPBF Featherweight Title bout between Kazuki Nakajima (Ohashi) and Ryuto Daivan (Shisei) will take place. With both fighters known for their power and offensive prowess, this promises to be an exciting matchup. Nakajima, who had been aiming for the world title in the super bantamweight division, will relinquish his OPBF title in that weight class to move up one weight class. According to Chairman Ohashi, this move was made with Nakajima’s weight-cutting challenges in mind.
A title match is also scheduled, in which Japanese minimumweight champion Katsuki Mori (Ohashi) will face challenger Yoshi Sugiura (Kyoei). This will be Mori’s second title defense.

Daiya Kira, in his fifth professional fight, faces Canizares in a world title bout—the WBA Light Flyweight title match on September 2

On the 28th, a press conference was held at a hotel in Yokohama to announce the “NTT Docomo Presents LeminoBOXING Double...

boxingnews.jp

2026.07.29

Takashi Ishii Also Aims for the World Title: WBA Minimumweight Title Match Against Former Champion Mendes (9.2)

On the 28th, a press conference was held at a hotel in Yokohama to announce the “NTT Docomo Presents LeminoBOXING Double...

boxingnews.jp

2026.07.29

石井を挟んで大橋会長㊨と八重樫トレーナー　Naoki Fukuda

The semifinal is a bout for the WBA World Minimumweight Title. Takeshi Ishii (Ohashi) will face Wilfredo Mendes (Puerto Rico) for the title vacated by Ryusei Matsumoto (Teiken).
Like his senior, Yuki Takei, Ishii comes from a kickboxing background. He began his professional boxing career in the fourth round, went on to win the Rookie of the Year title, and then captured the OPBF title (which he defended twice). To date, his record stands at 11 wins (8 KOs) and 1 loss.
His opponent, Mendes, is a southpaw and former WBO champion. In Japan, he has lost to southpaws Masataka Taniguchi and Yudai Shigeoka. This time, he is aiming to win the title for the second time. His record is 20 wins (6 KOs), 3 losses, and 2 draws.
Ishii declared, “I’ve been training for this day. Mendes is a boxer who excels at scoring on points, but I will definitely become champion.” Trainer Akira Yaegashi stated, “Ishii needs to move forward like a challenger, maintain his own range, and pick up points. It will be a tough fight, but I believe in Ishii’s physical strength and mental toughness.” Building on his physical strength—which he boasts is “the best in this weight class” (Ishii)—he has been training with the goal of improving his technical skills.
Chairman Ohashi remarked, “Ishii is a hard worker with a powerful punch. I’ve been wanting to give him this opportunity for a long time.”

Daiya Kira, in his fifth professional fight, faces Canizares in a world title bout—the WBA Light Flyweight title match on September 2

On the 28th, a press conference was held at a hotel in Yokohama to announce the “NTT Docomo Presents LeminoBOXING Double...

boxingnews.jp

2026.07.29

吉良をはさんで二宮マネ㊧と佐々木会長㊨　Naoki Fukuda

The main event features a contest for the vacant WBA light-flyweight title, where top-ranked Daiya Kira (Shisei) faces second-ranked Carlos Canizales (Venezuela). Kira was originally scheduled to challenge unified WBA and WBO champion Rene Santiago (Puerto Rico), but the opponent was changed to Canizales following an elbow injury sustained by Santiago. According to promoter Hideyuki Ohashi, it remains undecided whether Santiago’s WBA status will be shifted to champion-in-recess or if he will vacate the title altogether; however, it is confirmed that the Kira-Canizales bout will serve as a regular world title match.

Kira entered the professional ranks with an extensive amateur background and currently holds an undefeated record of 4-0 (3 KOs). On New Year’s Eve last year, he secured his status as mandatory challenger for the WBA title by knocking out Ivan Garcia (Mexico) with a single right counter. This high-profile opportunity comes without Kira having faced a domestic Japanese opponent in his professional career. Should he succeed in capturing the world title in his fifth contest, he will equal Kousei Tanaka’s national record for the fastest world title acquisition.

His opponent, former champion Canizales, brings a record of 28-3-1 (20 KOs). A durable veteran who previously engaged in tough contests in Japan against Ryoichi Taguchi and Kenshiro Teraji, Canizales captured the WBC title last year by defeating Petchmanee CP Freshmart in a rematch after overcoming a controversial decision in their initial bout in Thailand. Unable to travel for his scheduled first defense due to flight logistical issues resulting from airspace restrictions, he was subsequently reclassified as champion-in-recess.

Reflecting on the fight announcement, Kira stated, “I have been focused on a title opportunity ever since the eliminator. I am relieved that it has been officially finalized.” Regarding the change of opponent from two-belt champion Santiago, he expressed confidence in the matchup: “Canizales is aggressive and tough. Because I also intend to apply pressure, it will turn into an entertaining fight.” He added without hesitation, “If I execute without making mistakes, it will be over before it even has a chance to become competitive.” Securing a victory of that nature against Canizales, who engaged in a high-volume, knock-down trade with Teraji two and a half years ago, would serve as a major statement in establishing Kira as a new star.

The full fight card is as follows:

Main Event: WBA Light-Flyweight Championship (Vacant) – 12 Rounds

Daiya Kira (Shisei) vs. Carlos Canizales (Venezuela)

Co-Main Event: WBA Minimumweight Championship (Vacant) – 12 Rounds

Takeshi Ishii (Ohashi) vs. Wilfredo Mendez (Puerto Rico)

Fifth Bout: OPBF Featherweight Championship (Vacant) – 10 Rounds

Kazuki Nakajima (Ohashi) vs. Ryuto Owan (Shisei)

Fourth Bout: 61.0kg Catchweight – 8 Rounds

Yuga Fujiki (Ohashi) vs. Jufel Salina (Philippines)

Third Bout: Japanese Minimumweight Championship – 10 Rounds

Katsuki Mori (Ohashi) vs. Yoshi Sugiura (Kyoei)

Second Bout: Featherweight – 8 Rounds

Ren Ohashi (Ohashi) vs. Keigo Kitamoto (Misako)

First Bout: Super-Featherweight – 8 Rounds

Junya Shimada (Shisei) vs. Sataporn Saat (Thailand)

エルナンデスと対戦する亀田京之介

Kameda was scheduled to fight Luis Núñez for the WBA interim title in Kyrgyzstan in May, but the bout was canceled just before the fight. This will be his first fight since facing Johnriel Casimero (Philippines) last October. Kameda is set to face four consecutive opponents who are well-known, top-tier fighters in Japan: Luis Nery, David Picasso (both from Mexico), Casimero, and now Hernandez.
Hernández is a Mexican fighter who gave Junji Nakatani (M.T.) a tough time in Saudi Arabia last December. His record stands at 20 wins (18 KOs), 1 loss. Kameda’s record is 16 wins (9 KOs), 5 losses, and 2 draws. The fight is scheduled to be streamed live on ABEMA.

「これで最後だ」とキャッチコピーがつけられたリマッチ。中央に王者井上と挑戦者那須川　photo/Naoki Fukuda

The two fighters previously clashed for the same vacant title in November last year, with Inoue securing a clear 12-round unanimous decision. Having reclaimed his world title, Inoue has appeared to reach new heights, maintaining exceptional momentum, which included a decisive victory over Kazuto Ioka (Shisei) in May this year after scoring two knockdowns.

Meanwhile, Nasukawa bounced back from his first professional loss against Inoue by stopping Juan Francisco Estrada (Mexico) via TKO in April this year. That victory over Estrada earned him the right to challenge for the title once again. Having declared his commitment to change before defeating Estrada, Nasukawa now enters a rematch with revenge on the line.

The press conference was held publicly at an outdoor space in Kabukicho. Both fighters arrived in a limousine and responded to media questions. Displaying the composure of a champion, Inoue stated, “Nasukawa properly cleared his title eliminator, which is why I accepted this match.” He added, “I will defeat him again. I just need to execute my boxing without opening up any vulnerabilities, just as I did in the first fight, and get the stoppage.” Throughout the conference, Inoue repeatedly used the phrase “defeat him again.”

Nasukawa displayed a rare moment of visible anger. His dissatisfaction with the low-key atmosphere of the announcement press conference, despite a large crowd of fans being gathered, reflected his professional demeanor. Addressing the fans, Nasukawa remarked, “What I surrendered in that defeat was massive. Unsettled debts are unacceptable. I intend to take it all back with heavy interest.” Regarding the stakes of the rematch, he stated, “If I lose here, there is no future for me,” framing the contest as a decisive, do-or-die challenge.

The bout will be broadcast exclusively live on Prime Video.

トリプル戦に出場する選手。左から寺地、ゴンサレス、増田、比嘉、岩田、バディージョ

In the main event, a clash for the vacant WBA bantamweight title, number 1-ranked Riku Masuda (Teiken) faces number 2-ranked Daigo Higa (Shisei). Tsuyoshi Hamada, representative of Teiken Gym, offered his assessment of the matchup: “Masuda possesses the superior single-punch power, while Higa excels in high-volume combinations. On the night, the fighter who can execute beyond their baseline will likely emerge victorious.” In response, Higa’s trainer, Joji Nogi, referenced the legendary first encounter between Hamada and Rene Arredondo, stating, “I want to replicate the exact manner in which his Okinawa senior, Tsuyoshi Hamada, captured the world title.” In that WBC junior-welterweight title bout exactly 40 years ago, Hamada claimed the championship via a devastating first-round knockout. While that historic contest concluded swiftly, Trainer Nogi emphasized that his primary focus was the level of “determination” required for this upcoming bout. The exchange further heightened anticipation for the collision between Masuda and Higa, two hard-hitters with contrasting offensive styles.

Challenging for a world title in a third weight class in the vacant WBO super-flyweight championship bout, Kenshiro Teraji (BMB) expressed confidence regarding his move up in weight, noting, “My sharpness has increased, and my confidence has grown along with it.” His opponent, Israel Gonzalez (Mexico), wore sunglasses throughout the proceedings, masking his expressions. However, the Mexican challenger remained composed, stating, “I have no specific impressions to offer regarding Teraji, but I will execute exactly what I need to do.”

Defending his WBC light-flyweight world title for the first time, champion Shokichi Iwata (Teiken) received high praise from his trainer, Sendai Tanaka, who testified to the champion’s progression: “He has maintained excellent condition since capturing the world title. Depending on how the opponent approaches the fight, I believe he will deliver a performance that will surprise everyone.” The challenger, Erik Badillo (Mexico), reiterated the significance of the opportunity, describing it as “a life-defining chance,” and boasted of the supreme conditioning developed during his high-altitude training camp in Mexico, claiming his stamina was at a level where it felt as though he possessed “four lungs.”

再びサウジのリングに上がる堤麗斗

Since his professional debut in May last year, Reito Tsutsumi has fought in New York, Las Vegas, and Riyadh. His first bout of this year will once again take place in Saudi Arabia, following his previous appearance where he secured a fourth-round TKO victory over Leobardo Quintana. Tsutsumi is scheduled to depart this week, accompanied by his older brother Hayato, who will provide corner support fresh from his own second-round TKO victory in the WBA super-featherweight eliminator on 14 July.

The event will be headlined by a 12-round heavyweight contest between former unified champion Anthony Joshua (UK) and Christian Prenga (Albania). The undercard will also feature two world title bouts: Hamzah Sheeraz (UK) will defend his WBO middleweight title against Simon Zachenhuber (Germany) [Note: Verification required for weight class discrepancy], while Josh Kelly (UK) faces Caoimhin Agyarko (Ireland) for the IBF super-welterweight title.