An 18-year-old standout from Chiba’s Narashino High School, Tomu Kataoka—winner of three national amateur titles—held a press conference in Yokohama on the 30th to announce his professional turn. Kataoka will campaign out of the Ohashi Gym, the same stable as his elder brother Raito, who recently made his own professional debut. The younger Kataoka confirmed his intent to pursue a world title.
大橋会長が大きな期待を寄せる片岡叶夢㊨
A southpaw with an amateur record of 56 wins and 5 losses, Kataoka stated that his aspirations have been set on the professional ranks since childhood. “I understand the professional world is demanding, but I will undoubtedly become a world champion,” he declared. Expressing admiration for stablemate Naoya Inoue, Kataoka has recently served as a sparring partner for Inoue’s upcoming bout, assuming the role of “Virtual Junto Nakatani” during technical sessions. Standing 172 cm tall, the rangy out-boxer intends to campaign in the super-flyweight or bantamweight divisions.
Ohashi Gym Chairman Hideyuki Ohashi expressed high expectations for the prospect, noting that in addition to his technical proficiency as an out-boxer, Kataoka possesses significant punching power. During the press conference, the nickname “The Dream”—derived from his given name, Tomu—was also revealed. Kataoka is scheduled to take his professional license exam in April, with a debut match tentatively planned for June 10th.
https://boxingnews.jp/en/english-feature/115268/
