Public pre-fight events for “U-NEXT BOXING 5” (March 15, Yokohama BUNTAI) commenced on March 2, featuring a training exhibition by Teiken Gym’s Shokichi Iwata and Ryusei Matsumoto. Iwata is set to challenge WBC Light Flyweight / Junior Flyweight champion Knockout CP Freshmart (Thailand) in a bid to return to world title status, while the newly crowned Ryusei Matsumoto faces Yuga Takada (Lions) in a WBA Minimumweight world title rematch.
ノックアウトに挑む岩田 photo/Naoki Fukuda
For Shokichi Iwata, the upcoming March 15 bout marks his first world title opportunity in exactly one year, since losing his WBO title to Rene Santiago (Puerto Rico). Now working under a new partnership with trainer Sendai Tanaka since his comeback last November, Iwata is focused on dethroning the WBC Light Flyweight / Junior Flyweight champion, Knockout CP Freshmart.
“I want to show what I have been working on since last November in the ring,” Iwata stated. The focus of his preparation has been a mobile style centered on hitting while moving—an approach that Iwata notes is closer to the boxing style he employed during his junior high and high school days. While he has previously tended to rely on his natural punching power, this bout may showcase a different dimension to his game. Trainer Tanaka emphasized the strategy, saying, “He needs to fight calmly and use his head.” Even during the light menu of shadowboxing and mitt work, the intent to implement this tactical shift was evident.
田中トレーナーのミットに左ストレートを打ち込む松本㊨
Teiken Gym’s Ryusei Matsumoto is set for an immediate rematch against Yuga Takada (Lions) on March 15. Their previous encounter in September for the vacant title saw Matsumoto leading before an accidental clash of heads forced a premature injury stoppage.
“This time, I’m looking for a definitive conclusion,” Matsumoto stated, clarifying that his goal is to “outclass him in every department and win overwhelmingly—not giving up a single point even if it goes to the cards.”
Matsumoto has maintained a high level of focus, having engaged in sparring sessions even before the rematch was officially finalized. During mitt work with trainer Sendai Tanaka, the champion demonstrated his excellent condition, firing sharp, crisp punches from a balanced stance. Toshiya Watanabe, the trainer for challenger Takada who was present to observe the session, noted that the confidence gained from capturing the world title appears to have further elevated Matsumoto’s performance.
