Champion Shokichi Iwata (Teiken), whose first defense of his WBC World Light Flyweight title is approaching, held an open practice at a gym in Tokyo on the 10th. Iwata will face mandatory challenger Eric Badillo (Mexico) at “U-NEXT BOXING 6,” to be held at Ryogoku Kokugikan on the 20th.
初防衛戦に備える岩田
This is the second time Iwata has faced his “first title defense.” During his previous reign as WBO champion, he lost to René Santiago (Puerto Rico) and lost his prized title. Having made a comeback as WBC champion with a decisive victory over Knockout CP Freshmart (Thailand), he is determined to succeed at all costs this time.
“Right after the fight against Knockout, I started preparing for my first title defense. I believe I’ll only be a true champion once I clear this hurdle. I’m really fired up,” said Iwata.
During the open practice, he sparred for two rounds with his sparring partner, Gustavo Perez (Mexico), and did two rounds of mitt work with trainer Senki Tanaka. Iwata switched to a footwork-based style after the Santiago fight, and this approach yielded good results in the Knockout bout as well. On this day, against the southpaw Pérez, he moved forward, backward, left, and right while throwing sharp left jabs both high and low.
Challenger Badillo is a smooth southpaw—not what you’d call a typical Mexican fighter. Iwata stated firmly, “We’re training so that we can adapt whether Badillo uses his feet or comes forward.” He added that the key to defeating Badillo will, as always, be his “footwork.”
