On 3 March, Riku Masuda (Teiken) and Anthony Olascuaga (USA) held public training sessions at the Teiken Boxing Gym in Tokyo. Both fighters are preparing for their respective bouts on the “U-NEXT BOXING 5” card, scheduled to take place at the Yokohama BUNTAI on 15 March.
photo/Naoki Fukuda
Riku Masuda (Teiken) is set to headline the card in a high-stakes WBA Bantamweight title eliminator against the legendary Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire (Philippines). Facing a veteran with one of the most storied careers in the sport, Masuda remains undaunted. “I intend to be aggressive and take the fight to him from the very first round,” Masuda stated, making it clear he will maintain a proactive stance against the multi-division champion. However, he emphasized that this would not be a reckless charge, but rather a calculated approach maintained with high levels of concentration.
Trainer Shin Yamato noted the challenger’s technical growth, stating, “We have broadened the overall scope of his boxing.” During his shadow boxing and mitt-work sessions, Masuda displayed sharp, explosive power while appearing acutely mindful of Donaire’s signature left hook—a weapon that has defined the Filipino’s career.
photo/Naoki Fukuda
On the other hand, Anthony Olascuaga (USA) is preparing for the fifth defence of his WBO Flyweight title against challenger Jukiya Iimura (Kadoebi Hoseki). Having arrived in Japan last weekend, Olascuaga is still undergoing minor adjustments for jet lag, yet he appeared in high spirits, stating, “I feel very good.” Coming off a successful defence against Taku Kuwahara (Ohashi) this past December, the short turnaround seems to have allowed the champion to maintain his peak competitive condition.
During today’s session, which was open to media filming, Olascuaga engaged in intense mitt work and heavy bag drills. He showed no hesitation in displaying his trademark power punches, even with the challenger’s trainer, Kenta Okumura, and second, Mio Sanari, in attendance to scout the session.
