Daiya Kira, in his fifth professional fight, faces Canizares in a world title bout—the WBA Light Flyweight title match on September 2

On the 28th, a press conference was held at a hotel in Yokohama to announce the “NTT Docomo Presents LeminoBOXING Double World Title Match.” The event will take place on Wednesday, September 2, at Yokohama BUNTAI and will be streamed live on Lemino.

吉良をはさんで二宮マネ㊧と佐々木会長㊨　Naoki Fukuda

The main event features a contest for the vacant WBA light-flyweight title, where top-ranked Daiya Kira (Shisei) faces second-ranked Carlos Canizales (Venezuela). Kira was originally scheduled to challenge unified WBA and WBO champion Rene Santiago (Puerto Rico), but the opponent was changed to Canizales following an elbow injury sustained by Santiago. According to promoter Hideyuki Ohashi, it remains undecided whether Santiago’s WBA status will be shifted to champion-in-recess or if he will vacate the title altogether; however, it is confirmed that the Kira-Canizales bout will serve as a regular world title match.

Kira entered the professional ranks with an extensive amateur background and currently holds an undefeated record of 4-0 (3 KOs). On New Year’s Eve last year, he secured his status as mandatory challenger for the WBA title by knocking out Ivan Garcia (Mexico) with a single right counter. This high-profile opportunity comes without Kira having faced a domestic Japanese opponent in his professional career. Should he succeed in capturing the world title in his fifth contest, he will equal Kousei Tanaka’s national record for the fastest world title acquisition.

His opponent, former champion Canizales, brings a record of 28-3-1 (20 KOs). A durable veteran who previously engaged in tough contests in Japan against Ryoichi Taguchi and Kenshiro Teraji, Canizales captured the WBC title last year by defeating Petchmanee CP Freshmart in a rematch after overcoming a controversial decision in their initial bout in Thailand. Unable to travel for his scheduled first defense due to flight logistical issues resulting from airspace restrictions, he was subsequently reclassified as champion-in-recess.

Reflecting on the fight announcement, Kira stated, “I have been focused on a title opportunity ever since the eliminator. I am relieved that it has been officially finalized.” Regarding the change of opponent from two-belt champion Santiago, he expressed confidence in the matchup: “Canizales is aggressive and tough. Because I also intend to apply pressure, it will turn into an entertaining fight.” He added without hesitation, “If I execute without making mistakes, it will be over before it even has a chance to become competitive.” Securing a victory of that nature against Canizales, who engaged in a high-volume, knock-down trade with Teraji two and a half years ago, would serve as a major statement in establishing Kira as a new star.

The full fight card is as follows:

Main Event: WBA Light-Flyweight Championship (Vacant) – 12 Rounds

Daiya Kira (Shisei) vs. Carlos Canizales (Venezuela)

Co-Main Event: WBA Minimumweight Championship (Vacant) – 12 Rounds

Takeshi Ishii (Ohashi) vs. Wilfredo Mendez (Puerto Rico)

Fifth Bout: OPBF Featherweight Championship (Vacant) – 10 Rounds

Kazuki Nakajima (Ohashi) vs. Ryuto Owan (Shisei)

Fourth Bout: 61.0kg Catchweight – 8 Rounds

Yuga Fujiki (Ohashi) vs. Jufel Salina (Philippines)

Third Bout: Japanese Minimumweight Championship – 10 Rounds

Katsuki Mori (Ohashi) vs. Yoshi Sugiura (Kyoei)

Second Bout: Featherweight – 8 Rounds