中央坪井をはさんで浜田剛史代表㊨、田中トレーナー　photo/Naoki Fukuda

In the WBC World Super-Flyweight Title bout, Tsuboi—an amateur world championship gold medalist—will make his first bid for a world title in his fifth professional fight. Tsuboi himself showed no interest in setting the record for the fastest title win in Japan (in his fifth fight), stating, “I believe that if I win this fight and claim the belt, I’ll be able to face even stronger opponents,” thereby reemphasizing his stance since turning pro: “to fight strong opponents.”
Malajika is a right-handed boxer (who also switches stances) with a record of 17 wins (12 KOs) and 2 losses, and holds the IBO title from a minor organization. While Tsuboi described Malajika as “a solid, serious boxer,” he made no secret of his confidence, stating, “He may have more professional experience, but in terms of boxing experience, I’m dozens of times his equal.”
“He’s probably never fought a boxer like me, so there are plenty of ways to break him down,” said Tsuboi. Trainer Sen’ta Tanaka also praised him highly, saying, “His boxing IQ is outstanding. He exchanges blows with his opponent and reads them immediately.” Hearing this, it really does seem as though Tsuboi might actually manage to “dominate every round” in his first world title bout.
His first child was born in July, which he says has given him an even greater sense of responsibility. “My job is to come back with an overwhelming victory,” said Tsuboi, now a dad. Also on the same day, regarding his teammate Tenshin Nasukawa, who is vowing to avenge his loss to Takuma Inoue, Tsuboi pledged, “He’s truly approaching boxing with sincerity. I’ll win my own fight decisively and then pass the baton firmly to Tenshin Nasukawa.”

西田㊧と枝川会長 photo/Naoki Fukuda

The IBF Super Bantamweight Interim Title bout was arranged because Naoya Inoue (Ohashi), the four-organization unified champion, has no fights scheduled for the time being. Former bantamweight champion Nishida, who defeated Vazquez in February to earn the title shot, will face Goodman.
At the press conference, Nishida shared his impressions of Goodman, saying, “He has good balance, can fight at any range, and seems mentally strong,” before calmly adding, “I’ve been training so that I can outclass him at any range.”
Goodman is the man who once missed two opportunities to challenge Naoya Inoue due to his own injuries. Last summer, he challenged Nick Ball (UK) at featherweight but lost by decision, prompting him to return to super bantamweight.
Nishida expressed his determination, saying, “Although it’s an interim title, I believe that if I win this, I’ll have opportunities for various fights, so first and foremost, I absolutely cannot lose.” In addition to reigning champion Naoya Inoue, a rematch in the super bantamweight division against Junto Nakatani (M.T.)—to whom he lost in last year’s bantamweight unification bout—is likely to come into view. Chairman Takashi Edagawa, who won the rights to host this fight in Japan by outbidding Goodman’s camp, is also focusing on the opponent at hand, saying, “I think Nishida has really gotten stronger since moving up to the super bantamweight division,” and expressing his hope for Nishida’s victory.
Nishida has a record of 11 wins (2 KOs) and 1 loss. Goodman has a record of 22 wins (8 KOs) and 1 loss.

川村を倒し王座奪取の渡来

Kawamura, pressing forward with a high guard, firmly absorbed Watarai’s flurry of punches with both arms and aimed a left hook from his right. However, perhaps because he was putting too much effort into blocking Watarai’s powerful strikes, his counterpunches were too forced and lacked both sharpness and speed. In response, Watarai gradually began mixing in a variety of angles and varying the intensity of his strikes in an attempt to break through Kawamura’s solid guard.
Starting in the third round, Watarai picked up the pace and landed left and right uppercuts. Entering the fourth round, he unleashed a flurry of uppercuts following quick, short steps to the left and right, causing Kawamura to bleed from the nose. Watarai had undoubtedly planted the threat of his uppercuts firmly in Kawamura’s mind.
In the fifth round, having made Kawamura wary of both his uppercuts and side hooks, Watarai landed a superb one-two straight on target. As Kawamura fell to his butt, unable to continue, the referee declared the fight over without calling a count.
“I’m really happy to have secured the win by KO. As a Japanese boxer who embodies world-class boxing, I want to win the world title someday,” said Watarai (27), who now has a record of 9 wins (6 KOs), 1 loss. Kawamura (26), who failed in his first title defense, now stands at 7 wins (4 KOs), 1 loss, and 1 draw.

V2に成功した堀池

Yun, who had the height advantage, swung left and right hooks with full force, but Horiike’s guard positioning with both arms was exquisite, effectively neutralizing Yun’s attacks. Horiike then used skillful head slips to land compact right straights and left hooks, gradually cornering Yun.
In the fourth round, as Yun lost his balance while swinging, Horiike’s right landed, sending Yun to the canvas with his gloves touching the floor. However, Yun, seemingly unscathed, managed to hang on, even resorting to a foul by jabbing his left shoulder upward during a scramble.
Horiike gradually increased his body blows, inflicting damage with a left body shot in the sixth round. He then made frequent use of precise left jabs and right uppercuts, but the tenacious Yun landed a flurry of punches following a right uppercut in the seventh round. However, Horiike seized a momentary opening to connect with a left body shot, followed by a left hook and a right straight, driving Yun back and forcing the referee to stop the fight.
“Around the middle of the fight, I finally started to show what I’m capable of. It took a little too long. I want to unify the Asian titles and move on to the world stage,” said Horiike (24), who now holds a record of 9 wins (6 KOs) and is requesting a bout against WBO Asia-Pacific champion Kenta Lee (Teiken). Yun (32) has a record of 7 wins (7 KOs), 3 losses, and 1 draw.

デビュー4連続KO勝ちの久保寺

◇Featherweight, 8 Rounds
Keita Kubodera (Teiken) [KO in Round 3, 2:25] Ricky Cristobal (Philippines)
Facing the tall southpaw Kubodera, Cristobal aimed for the right body straight, but Kubodera used his deep guard and long reach to keep Cristobal at bay.
While he appears to have some work to do on his left straight—which he throws by lunging in after a right-hand punch—the power of his sharp, downward-slashing left is exceptional. In the third round, he landed a hard left that sent Cristobal to his knees, and as he followed up with another left, a dazed Cristobal was counted out.
Kubodera (24) now has 4 wins (4 KOs). Cristobal (24) has 7 wins (4 KOs) and 4 losses.

金城を退けた鈴木㊨

◇Flyweight 6-Round Bout
Jotaro Suzuki (Teiken) [Split Decision 2–1 (58–56, 56–58, 58–56)] Toshiyuki Kaneshiro (Okinawa World Ring)
◇East Japan Rookie of the Year Lightweight Qualifier, 4-Round Bout
Yuto Shiozaki (Tokashiki) [KO in Round 4 at 2:12] Seiya Yamaguchi (Ohashi)
◇58.0kg Contract, 4-Round Bout
Kensuke Suzuki (Kawasaki Nitta) [Unanimous Decision 3–0 (39–37, 39–37, 39–37)] Jo Sato (Ishimaru)

メキシコ合宿へ旅立った亀田

As Kameda prepared to challenge Brandon Figueroa (29, USA) for the WBA world featherweight title, he searched for a sparring partner but couldn’t find anyone in Japan or abroad who resembled Figueroa. Consequently, he decided to travel to Mexico to seek out Navarrete, with whom he had sparred during his super bantamweight days.
“The Navarrete camp, which is aiming to win all three major titles, also offered to spar with me. I think it’s been eight years since we last sparred, but Navarrete is in a higher weight class and is a stronger fighter than Figueroa. Navarrete’s gym is located 800 meters higher than Mexico City, which sits at an elevation of 2,000 meters, so I think training in that tough environment will build my stamina. “In any case, I’m going to strengthen my cardiovascular system and build a body capable of moving for about 20 rounds,” Kameda said with high spirits.
“I went to Mexico when I was 15 and have gained a lot of experience since then. I feel like this is my last chance, so I want to give it my all and draw on all that experience.” His Mexican wife and two children also boarded the flight to Mexico, but while his family will stay at his wife’s parents’ home, Kameda will split off to stay at Navarrete’s home and focus entirely on becoming a three-division champion. “The date and time of the fight haven’t been announced yet, but I’ll head down to sea level a week before the fight and make my way to the venue,” he said.
“I’ve fought 47 times so far, and my motivation is sky-high to face Figueroa—the strongest opponent I’ve ever faced—on his home turf. When I return home, I’ll be bringing back my third weight-class belt.” Kameda hopes to seize this big opportunity—which may be his last—and is eager to face Naoya Inoue (Ohashi).
Kameda’s record stands at 42 wins (23 KOs) and 5 losses.

S・フェザー級は開催中のフェニックスバトルトーナメント優勝者にカーニバル出場権

■Minimumweight: Masatora Okada (Kadoebi Jewel) vs. Issa Sakata (S&K)
■Light Flyweight: TBD
■Flyweight: Ryo Sakai (Hatanaka) vs. Isse Hirota (Morishita)
■Super Flyweight: Kantaro Jyuri (Shisei) vs. Ryusei Baba (EBISU K’s BOX)
■Bantamweight: Sento Ito (Shinsei) vs. Towa Tsuji (KWORLD3)
■Super Bantamweight: Katsuya Fukui (Teiken) vs. Kaito Yamazaki (Rokushima)
■Featherweight: Kaishu Harada (Mitsuki) vs. Junya Shimada (Shisei)
■Super Featherweight: Phoenix Battle Super Featherweight Tournament
■Lightweight: To Be Announced
■Super Lightweight: Kotaro Sekine (Watanabe) vs. Shota Tashita (Takumi)
■Welterweight: Takafumi Shibata (Green Tsuda) vs. Takahiko Kobayashi (Ichiriki)
■Super Welterweight: Rikuto Adachi (Ohashi) vs. Masaya Tamayama (Teiken)
■Middleweight: Issei Aramoto (Teiken) vs. Ryusei Kurobe (World Sports)

*The fighter on the left is the higher-ranked contender.
The “Strongest Challenger Tournament” is a regular event held by the association in which top-ranked fighters in each weight class compete for the right to participate in next spring’s Champion Carnival (and challenge for the Japanese title).
This time, the winner of the Super Featherweight Prize Money Tournament will earn the right to challenge at the Carnival. That tournament, in which all ranked Super Featherweight fighters are participating, has been underway for a year. Following the semifinals in September, the final scheduled for December will also serve as the “Strongest Challenger Tournament.”
Another major talking point is the participation of Ito, the WBO Asia-Pacific champion in the bantamweight division. This adds even more pressure on Ito to win his first title defense (September 5, vs. Vilalosa).

２戦目に臨むキングこと藤木　Naoki Fukuda

Also on this day, Yuga Fujiki (Ohashi)—a promising prospect who won his professional debut in June—will make his second professional appearance. This time, he’ll face Jufel Salina of the Philippines in an 8-round bout at 61 kg.
Fujiki, who stopped Wira Mikam (Thailand) in the second round in his professional debut, says, “I’m still not satisfied with that performance.” Both he and his trainer, Seiichi Okada, describe Salina (11 wins, 8 KOs, 7 losses, 1 draw), a southpaw, as “aggressive and a hard hitter.” It will be interesting to see how Fujiki handles a left-handed opponent.
“Right now, I’m focusing on getting used to the professional level,” Fujiki said, and he appears to be progressing smoothly in his sparring sessions. He is reportedly sparring with senior fighters such as OPBF Lightweight Champion Taiga Imanaga and Reito Takahashi (Punch Out). To make matches against Japan’s top fighters a reality, the rising star stated, “I’ll keep training with the goal of getting closer to the title belt.”

■ Another Exciting Match: Nakajima vs. Daivan for the OPBF Featherweight Title
Also on the same card, the OPBF Featherweight Title bout between Kazuki Nakajima (Ohashi) and Ryuto Daivan (Shisei) will take place. With both fighters known for their power and offensive prowess, this promises to be an exciting matchup. Nakajima, who had been aiming for the world title in the super bantamweight division, will relinquish his OPBF title in that weight class to move up one weight class. According to Chairman Ohashi, this move was made with Nakajima’s weight-cutting challenges in mind.
A title match is also scheduled, in which Japanese minimumweight champion Katsuki Mori (Ohashi) will face challenger Yoshi Sugiura (Kyoei). This will be Mori’s second title defense.

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...

boxingnews.jp

2026.07.29

Takashi Ishii Also Aims for the World Title: WBA Minimumweight Title Match Against Former Champion Mendes (9.2)

On the 28th, a press conference was held at a hotel in Yokohama to announce the “NTT Docomo Presents LeminoBOXING Double...

boxingnews.jp

2026.07.29

石井を挟んで大橋会長㊨と八重樫トレーナー　Naoki Fukuda

The semifinal is a bout for the WBA World Minimumweight Title. Takeshi Ishii (Ohashi) will face Wilfredo Mendes (Puerto Rico) for the title vacated by Ryusei Matsumoto (Teiken).
Like his senior, Yuki Takei, Ishii comes from a kickboxing background. He began his professional boxing career in the fourth round, went on to win the Rookie of the Year title, and then captured the OPBF title (which he defended twice). To date, his record stands at 11 wins (8 KOs) and 1 loss.
His opponent, Mendes, is a southpaw and former WBO champion. In Japan, he has lost to southpaws Masataka Taniguchi and Yudai Shigeoka. This time, he is aiming to win the title for the second time. His record is 20 wins (6 KOs), 3 losses, and 2 draws.
Ishii declared, “I’ve been training for this day. Mendes is a boxer who excels at scoring on points, but I will definitely become champion.” Trainer Akira Yaegashi stated, “Ishii needs to move forward like a challenger, maintain his own range, and pick up points. It will be a tough fight, but I believe in Ishii’s physical strength and mental toughness.” Building on his physical strength—which he boasts is “the best in this weight class” (Ishii)—he has been training with the goal of improving his technical skills.
Chairman Ohashi remarked, “Ishii is a hard worker with a powerful punch. I’ve been wanting to give him this opportunity for a long time.”

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...

boxingnews.jp

2026.07.29

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

Ren Ohashi (Ohashi) vs. Keigo Kitamoto (Misako)

First Bout: Super-Featherweight – 8 Rounds

Junya Shimada (Shisei) vs. Sataporn Saat (Thailand)

デビュー5連勝を飾った堤麗斗

The bout was a 10-round contest at 129 pounds (58.51 kg). Tsutsumi (128.6 pounds), a southpaw ranked No. 14 in the WBA featherweight division, cornered the taller Herrera (128.8 pounds) against the blue corner and scored an early knockdown with a flurry of punches following a left hook. This occurred just over two minutes into the first round. Tsutsumi unleashed a flurry of follow-up punches on the rising Herrera, then pinned him against the ropes again and landed a right hook, sending Herrera to the canvas for the second time as he put his left hand down.
Tsutsumi applied pressure from the start of the second round as well. He landed a counter left, forcing Herrera to put his left hand down for a third knockdown, at which point referee Luis Pabón (Puerto Rico) stopped the fight without calling a count.
Tsutsumi’s record stands at 5-0 with 4 KOs, while Herrera’s record is 18 wins (11 KOs), 1 loss, and 2 draws.