Ohashi Gym held a press conference at a hotel in Yokohama on the 27th to formally announce the professional turn of 18-year-old sensation Yuga Fujiki. Regarded as a “Monster High Schooler,” Fujiki is scheduled to undergo a public pro test during the Phoenix Battle event in April, with his professional debut planned for the June 10 edition of the same series. It was confirmed that he will begin his career in the Super Featherweight / Junior Lightweight division.
Fujiki arrives from Osaka’s Kokoku High School with an impeccable amateur pedigree, boasting nine national titles and a world youth championship. He remains undefeated through 49 amateur bouts. In a testament to his physical ceiling, he captured the All-Japan Championship last November while still a high school student, remarkably competing up in the Welterweight division to secure the gold. Having long expressed his intent to turn professional, Fujiki officially declared his ambition to pursue a world title under the Ohashi banner.
During the conference, Fujiki was introduced as “THE KING,” a moniker bestowed upon him by Gym President Hideyuki Ohashi. Notably, it was Ohashi who famously dubbed Naoya Inoue “The Monster,” and the choice of title for Fujiki underscores the immense expectations placed upon the youngster. “He is a national treasure. I will certainly make him a world champion,” Ohashi stated. Beyond praising Fujiki’s speed, power, and technique, Ohashi awarded him a “perfect 10” for his disciplined character, adding: “In the lighter weights, Naoya Inoue has arguably achieved everything possible. In the mid-weight divisions, I believe Fujiki is the one.”
“Since I was a child, I have watched the professional stage, so I am thrilled to think this is my start,” Fujiki remarked in his opening statement. “I know it is very difficult for a Japanese fighter to become a world champion in the mid-weight classes, but I will definitely achieve it and aspire to be like my idol, Naoya Inoue.” He added that he is “extremely fond” of his new nickname.
In the professional ranks, Fujiki will be guided by trainers Seiichi Okada and Yasuhiro Suzuki. Currently training daily at the Yokohama gym, Fujiki recently observed the Super Featherweight tournament at Korakuen Hall. “Watching it in person was educational, and I visualised myself in the ring,” he said. “I know I must surpass that level to go higher, and I have the confidence to win.”
