It was announced at a press conference in Nagoya on the 7th that IBF World Flyweight Champion Masamichi Yabuki (Midori, 30) will make his next title defense on June 6 at the Aichi Sky Expo (Aichi International Exhibition Center). Yabuki will face the division’s No. 5-ranked contender, Rene Calixto (Mexico, 31), in what will be the second defense of the second-division title he captured late last year. The announcement was made by Koki Kameda, founder of Kameda Promotions.
カリストを迎撃するチャンピオン矢吹
The semi-main event is scheduled to be an IBF World Super Flyweight title match, with champion Wilibaldo Garcia (Mexico) defending his title against No. 3 ranked Andrew Moloney (Australia).
Champion Yabuki expressed relief that the event will be held in Aichi. He stated that his theme for this fight is to produce “a result and performance that leads to an even bigger match next.” His ultimate goals are either a unification bout with champions from other organizations or a challenge for a third divisional title in the super flyweight class.
Regarding his opponent, Calixto, Yabuki noted that he has heard he is an aggressive fighter. Calixto holds a record of 24 wins (11 KOs), 1 loss, and 1 draw. Although Calixto is a tough opponent who has never been knocked out, Yabuki issued a clear declaration of intent: “I will do my best to end it with a KO.”
Yabuki’s own record stands at 19 wins (18 KOs) and 4 losses. Commenting on this remarkably high knockout rate for the lighter weight classes, Midori Gym Chairman Toshio Matsuo praised him, saying, “This knockout rate is incredible. Yabuki is a fighter who brings out the true charm of boxing. It’s rare to see a fighter grow this much after turning 30.”
In his previous match, Yabuki captured his second divisional title by stopping the durable Alvarado—who had never been knocked out—in the final round. Having secured two consecutive final-round knockouts, his reputation as a champion is steadily rising. The fighter himself feels he is in a state where his “peak is continuing.” He appealed for his future, stating, “I want to participate in high-value matches. If it’s possible, I want a unification fight.”
Regarding the broadcast, while Kameda Promotions has previously distributed matches via Abema TV, this event is scheduled for a worldwide stream on the YouTube channel “SAIKOULUSH OFFICIAL.”
