OPBF welterweight champion Jin Sasaki (Hachioji Nakaya) will face Japan and WBO Asia-Pacific titleholder David Ssemujju (Chunichi) in a three-title unification bout on September 21 in his hometown of Hachioji, as he targets another run at becoming Japan’s first-ever world welterweight champion.
三冠統一戦を行う佐々木㊧とセムジュ
The announcement was made by promoter Issei Nakaya, president of the Hachioji Nakaya Gym, during a joint press conference held in Tokyo on 9 June.
The 24-year-old Sasaki addressed his opponent in English, stating, “Let’s contest the three titles to decide who is the strongest in Asia.” Expressing supreme confidence regarding the upcoming bout, Sasaki remarked, “Ssemujju is certainly an excellent fighter, but I surpass him in every department. Honestly, the probability of me losing is close to zero, and I am confident of winning regardless of how the fight unfolds.” Regarding the expected outcome, he added, “It will be a knockout. I want to entertain the fans.”
Sasaki has recently adopted the moniker “Movie,” a reference to the dramatic, fluctuating narrative of both his life and his performances inside the ring.
In response, the 33-year-old Ssemujju expressed his determination: “It is an honour to be here. I will secure a decisive and clear victory. I want to put on a great performance representing Uganda.”
Ssemujju represented his native Uganda at the Tokyo Olympic Games. After signing with Nagoya’s Chunichi Gym, he arrived in Japan in 2024 and subsequently captured both the Japanese national and WBO Asia-Pacific welterweight titles. His professional record stands at 9-1-1 (5 KOs) [Note: Verification required for 11 total bouts].
Sasaki holds a record of 21-2 (18 KOs). While a victory would see him collect all three regional belts, he maintained his focus on a subsequent world title opportunity, stating, “Honestly, acquiring three belts is just a stepping stone. It is not that I lack respect for them, but winning here is a given; this is merely a passing point.”
The Sasaki-Ssemujju bout will headline “Lemino BOXING PHOENIX BATTLE 161” at the Tokyo Tama Mirai Messe Hachioji. The undercard will feature three Japanese Youth title contests, including an appearance by Ryuga Ishii (Tokashiki), with the event broadcast live on Lemino.
