左から寺地、増田、岩田の３王者（帝拳ジムで）

Teraji Eyes Unification Bouts After Securing Third-Division Title

Teraji, who delivered a decisive victory after dropping Israel Gonzalez (Mexico) twice during the bout, shared his immediate impressions: “I feel both thrilled to have achieved a world title in a third weight division and deeply relieved.” Despite his extensive experience as a long-reigning world champion, the victory carried significant weight, serving as both a comeback contest after a one-year absence and a major title challenge across three divisions. Trainer Kenta Kato reflected on the journey, stating, “There were difficult moments, such as the fight cancellation late last year, but he remained focused without losing his way.”

Looking ahead, Teraji has set his sights on unification contests. Capturing two belts in a third weight class would mark a historic first for a Japanese boxer. With the super-flyweight division stacked with talent, potential matchups offer compelling prospects for international fight fans.

Rapidly Evolving Iwata Targets Elite Champions

Iwata, who successfully repelled the challenge of Erik Badillo (Mexico), commented: “If regaining the world title was part one, I viewed this first defense as part two. I entered the ring with an exceptionally high level of focus.” Rather than relying solely on individual power shots, Iwata executed a strategic, footwork-oriented approach featuring sharp in-and-out movement—building seamlessly upon the performance that earned him the title in his previous contest. Despite suffering the first knockdown of his professional career, he fulfilled his pre-fight declaration, overcoming mid-fight adversity to secure a late-round TKO victory in a highly competitive bout. “Having defeated an undefeated number-one mandatory challenger, I want to face even stronger champions next,” Iwata stated, displaying elevated ambition after rectifying his previous setback during his WBO reign, where he failed to register a initial defense.

The Teiken corner offered high praise for the champion’s execution. “No matter how much you practice, it is meaningless unless executed in the ring,” noted representative Tsuyoshi Hamada, while trainer Sendai Tanaka added, “He transferred everything we worked on in training directly into the fight.” Iwata demonstrated his ongoing commitment, stating, “I want to resume training immediately.”

Masuda Pledges Continued Progress, Targets Seiya Tsutsumi

Masuda, who captured the WBA bantamweight regular title via a hard-fought split decision over Daigo Higa following twelve rounds of action, expressed relief: “I am relieved to have secured the victory safely.” Maintaining a resolute demeanor, he added, “I intend to keep working diligently to display boxing worthy of this belt.”

After establishing an early lead, Masuda faced a strong mid-fight resurgence from Higa before mounting a final offensive in the closing rounds to seal the verdict. Facing an opponent who had meticulously prepared for his straight left hand, Masuda’s patience and tactical composure proved decisive—a factor that carried added value given the overwhelming crowd support for Higa noted by representative Tsuyoshi Hamada.

Humble despite the victory due to his inability to secure his signature knockout finish, Masuda remarked that he was “not yet worthy of the belt.” However, when questioned regarding a potential matchup with champion-in-recess Seiya Tsutsumi (Kadoebi Houseki), Masuda offered a direct response: “I want to settle in the ring who the true champion is.”

比嘉との激闘を制した増田㊧

Right from the start, southpaw Masuda applied pressure, while Higa circled to the right to meet his attacks. As Higa backed up and lunged forward with his signature timing to throw a right, Masuda landed a left counter as Higa closed in during the third round.
Masuda applied pressure by landing a hard left straight over Higa’s guard and countered Higa’s attempts to close the distance with clinches. However, late in the fourth round, Higa cornered Masuda with a flurry following a right cross.
In the sixth round, Higa suffered a cut above his left eye from a head clash and spent the remainder of the fight preoccupied with the bleeding.
When creating distance, Masuda used his right jab and footwork to land left straights. Higa burst in with a sudden right and landed a combination of left and right hooks. When the fight went close-range, Masuda countered with short left and right uppercuts and a right hook while mixing in clinches; in response, Higa unleashed a barrage of left uppercuts and left hooks at varying heights.
Masuda thwarted Higa’s attempts to close in and unleash combinations with rhythm jabs and left straights. Although Higa had a surprisingly high jab accuracy from a distance, he spent more and more time blocking Masuda’s left straights with his arms held high and tight, preventing him from closing the distance as he’d hoped. Conversely, while Masuda struggled at times with Higa’s high guard, he not only landed numerous punches to score points but also showed the composure to land a left as Higa closed in.
In the 11th round, the two exchanged counter body blows, but Masuda landed a clean left straight followed by a right uppercut. In the final 12th round, both fighters showed signs of fatigue, with Masuda landing a right uppercut followed by a left straight, and Higa landing a right overhand followed by a left body uppercut. As they fought with their last ounce of strength, the final bell rang.
“I’m happy to have achieved my goal, but I’ve come to realize once again just how tough boxing is. (Toward the end), I just wanted to step forward and throw punches. I’m still not worthy of this belt. I’ll train much, much harder to become a truly strong champion.” Masuda, who had somehow cut the skin above both eyes, spoke of his goals without breaking his poker face.
The WBA features Super Champion Jesse Rodriguez (USA) and Retired Champion Seiya Tsutsumi (Kadoebi Jewelry), while Takuma Inoue (Ohashi) reigns as WBC champion. Additionally, his stablemate Tenshin Nasukawa holds the right to challenge Inoue. This is Masuda’s declaration that he, too, will boldly navigate these turbulent waters of fierce competition.
Masuda (28) has a record of 11 wins (9 KOs) and 1 loss. Higa (30), whose fourth attempt at becoming a two-division champion was unsuccessful, has a record of 21 wins (19 KOs), 4 losses, and 3 draws.

On-Demand Streaming Period: July 20, 11:51 p.m. – September 7, 11:59 p.m.

トリプル戦に出場する選手。左から寺地、ゴンサレス、増田、比嘉、岩田、バディージョ

In the main event, a clash for the vacant WBA bantamweight title, number 1-ranked Riku Masuda (Teiken) faces number 2-ranked Daigo Higa (Shisei). Tsuyoshi Hamada, representative of Teiken Gym, offered his assessment of the matchup: “Masuda possesses the superior single-punch power, while Higa excels in high-volume combinations. On the night, the fighter who can execute beyond their baseline will likely emerge victorious.” In response, Higa’s trainer, Joji Nogi, referenced the legendary first encounter between Hamada and Rene Arredondo, stating, “I want to replicate the exact manner in which his Okinawa senior, Tsuyoshi Hamada, captured the world title.” In that WBC junior-welterweight title bout exactly 40 years ago, Hamada claimed the championship via a devastating first-round knockout. While that historic contest concluded swiftly, Trainer Nogi emphasized that his primary focus was the level of “determination” required for this upcoming bout. The exchange further heightened anticipation for the collision between Masuda and Higa, two hard-hitters with contrasting offensive styles.

Challenging for a world title in a third weight class in the vacant WBO super-flyweight championship bout, Kenshiro Teraji (BMB) expressed confidence regarding his move up in weight, noting, “My sharpness has increased, and my confidence has grown along with it.” His opponent, Israel Gonzalez (Mexico), wore sunglasses throughout the proceedings, masking his expressions. However, the Mexican challenger remained composed, stating, “I have no specific impressions to offer regarding Teraji, but I will execute exactly what I need to do.”

Defending his WBC light-flyweight world title for the first time, champion Shokichi Iwata (Teiken) received high praise from his trainer, Sendai Tanaka, who testified to the champion’s progression: “He has maintained excellent condition since capturing the world title. Depending on how the opponent approaches the fight, I believe he will deliver a performance that will surprise everyone.” The challenger, Erik Badillo (Mexico), reiterated the significance of the opportunity, describing it as “a life-defining chance,” and boasted of the supreme conditioning developed during his high-altitude training camp in Mexico, claiming his stamina was at a level where it felt as though he possessed “four lungs.”

ミット打ちを行う増田　photo/Naoki Fukuda

With less than two weeks to go before his big fight—his 12th professional bout—Masuda says, “I’m really excited.” He calmly answered each question from the media gathered at the press conference, showing that he’s in top form. “I think it’ll be a match you can’t take your eyes off of from the very first round,” he predicted, adding, “I want to secure a KO in a natural way.” He casually let his confidence as a hard puncher shine through.
With Masuda (10 wins, 9 KOs, 1 loss) facing Higa (21 wins, 19 KOs, 3 losses, 3 draws), most observers predict this matchup will be anything but boring.
On this day, Masuda demonstrated one round each of shadow boxing, pad work with trainer Yamato Kokoro, and heavy bag work. He appeared to have built a more solid physique than before and was landing sharp, powerful punches.

While the announcement was made anticipation of current WBA regular champion Rodriguez’s next move, the situation is expected to be clarified prior to the Masuda-Higa contest. Teiken Promotions issued a document titled “Regarding the Background of the WBA Regular Championship Deciding Match between Riku Masuda and Daigo Higa” to explain the shifting status of the title. The promotional firm sought understanding for the announcement amidst the uncertainty, stating: “The WBA bantamweight title situation remains complicated due to unforeseen accidents, repeated injuries, and the involvement of Rodriguez, who possesses elite global drawing power. However, we anticipate that Rodriguez’s plans will be finalized before the 20 July fight date, allowing the title match to proceed under normalized conditions.”

増田㊧と比嘉の対決

The matchup itself between Masuda and Higa remains a highly compelling contest worthy of a world title stake. Sharing his assessment of his opponent, Masuda remarked that Higa appears optimistic on the surface but is a highly meticulous fighter, a factor he intends to account for in his preparation. Masuda enters the bout buoyed by the confidence of his decisive victory over Donaire in his previous outing. A victory would naturally set up a rematch with Tsutsumi, who currently holds the champion-in-recess status—a prospect that provides added incentive for Masuda, who previously suffered a defeat against Tsutsumi.

This bout marks Higa’s first return to the ring since his challenge against Vargas last year. It represents his fourth consecutive attempt at a bantamweight world title, following contests against Yoshiki Takei (Ohashi), Seiya Tsutsumi (Kadoebi Jewel), and Vargas. Although draws and narrow defeats have prevented him from capturing a belt, his competitive performances have maintained his standing as an elite fighter. “I realized that boxing is my true calling after all, so I have returned. My apologies,” said Higa, who had initially intended to retire after the Vargas fight before reconsidering earlier this year. “Moving forward, I want to continue competing for as long as I am able to,” he declared.

Analyzing Masuda, Higa noted, “Everyone is aware of his left straight, which demands caution. He also utilizes his right lead effectively to set traps.” He added, “I believe it will be an entertaining fight on the night.”

Advance ticket sales for “U-NEXT BOXING 6” commenced today at 18:00 via Lawson Ticket. Ticket tiers are priced at 55,000 yen, 33,000 yen, 44,000 yen (two-person ringside box), 22,000 yen, and 11,000 yen.

最終日の朝の走り込みを終えた左から坪井、松本、岩田、那須川、増田の各選手（帝拳ジム提供写真）

The training camp, which commenced on 29 May, saw Tenshin Nasukawa, Shokichi Iwata, Ryusei Matsumoto, Riku Masuda, and Tomoya Tsuboi engage in rigorous physical conditioning sessions twice daily, in the morning and afternoon, at a golf course.

Throughout the duration of the camp, the fighters focused strictly on intensive running drills without wearing gloves. All participants appeared confident in having successfully built a solid foundation ahead of their respective upcoming bouts. During the camp, Teiken Gym’s official website posted daily updates featuring humorous commentary from each boxer, which was well received by followers.

昨夜の試合を報じるスポーツ紙を眺める、左から松本、増田、岩田

Masuda, who earned a WBA bantamweight title shot following his eighth-round TKO victory over former champion Nonito Donaire (Philippines) in the main event, reflected calmly on the contest: “It was an intense bout from the very first round. It was a wonderful experience.” He added that he had the opportunity to speak with Donaire after the fight, receiving words of encouragement to “keep winning,” a gesture that deepened his resolve.

Now positioned as a mandatory challenger, Masuda finds himself in a division where the landscape remains fluid due to the injury status of regular champion Seiya Tsutsumi (Kadoebi-Hoseki) and the shifting status of Antonio Vargas (USA). Regarding his next move, Masuda stated, “I will stay prepared to fight anyone, at any time.”

Iwata, who captured the WBC light flyweight title by defeating Knockout CP Freshmart (Thailand), noted, “I was able to execute exactly what I had been working on in training.” His objective had been to return to the high-mobility, “punching-while-moving” style that defined his earlier career, and he expressed satisfaction in successfully implementing that strategy. Regarding the cut above Knockout’s left eye that led to the technical decision, Iwata insisted, “I have reviewed the footage, and there was no head clash,” suggesting the injury was caused by punches, which would technically imply a TKO victory.

Looking ahead, Iwata aims for unification bouts with other titleholders. With upcoming world championship bouts scheduled in Japan—specifically Santiago vs. Taniguchi on April 3 and Tanonsak vs. Mendoza on April 13—the division’s landscape remains a point of keen interest.

Matsumoto, who successfully defended his WBA minimumweight title with a shutout decision in his direct rematch against Yuni Takada (Lions), viewed the experience of his first full 12-round fight as a positive step in his development. He praised his rival’s resilience, stating, “I felt the strength of Takada’s spirit.”

Although the rematch concluded with a perfect score on the cards, trainer Sendai Tanaka noted room for improvement, remarking, “He could have stepped in and landed more effectively.” Matsumoto acknowledged this feedback, pledging to continue his progression as he looks to the future.

ドネアに左ストレートで攻める増田㊧

The bout commenced with both fighters circling to the right, engaged in a tactical battle of the lead hands. Donaire utilized his right to probe and set up his signature left hook, but Masuda consistently made him miss, gradually finding the mark with his own straight lefts.

While Masuda appeared relatively stationary, he utilized his reach to effectively cover up against Donaire’s power shots and employed subtle, precise footwork to keep the Filipino legend out of his optimal range.

Sensing the fight was slipping away, Donaire increased his forward pressure, but Masuda remained composed. When Donaire leaned against the ropes with his guard down to bait the challenger, Masuda refused to engage, maintaining an ideal distance to repeatedly land sharp left hands. His precision eventually opened a cut above Donaire’s right eye.

Following a ringside medical check of the cut in the sixth round, Masuda moved to finish the contest. Donaire responded by landing a flush right hand—potentially his most significant punch of the night—but Masuda successfully stepped back to regain his composure. In the closing moments of the seventh round, Masuda landed a clean one-two combination to score a knockdown. He continued his assault in the eighth, pinning Donaire with a series of straight lefts until the corner signaled the end of the bout by throwing in the towel at 1:12.

With this victory, Masuda (28) secures not only a mandatory challenge against WBA champion Seiya Tsutsumi but also an opportunity to avenge the only loss of his career. Masuda’s record moves to 10-1 (9 KOs). Donaire (43), who suffered a more decisive defeat than his previous outing against Tsutsumi last December, falls to 43-10 (28 KOs).

photo/Naoki Fukuda

Riku Masuda (Teiken) is set to headline the card in a high-stakes WBA Bantamweight title eliminator against the legendary Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire (Philippines). Facing a veteran with one of the most storied careers in the sport, Masuda remains undaunted. “I intend to be aggressive and take the fight to him from the very first round,” Masuda stated, making it clear he will maintain a proactive stance against the multi-division champion. However, he emphasized that this would not be a reckless charge, but rather a calculated approach maintained with high levels of concentration.

Trainer Shin Yamato noted the challenger’s technical growth, stating, “We have broadened the overall scope of his boxing.” During his shadow boxing and mitt-work sessions, Masuda displayed sharp, explosive power while appearing acutely mindful of Donaire’s signature left hook—a weapon that has defined the Filipino’s career.

photo/Naoki Fukuda

On the other hand, Anthony Olascuaga (USA) is preparing for the fifth defence of his WBO Flyweight title against challenger Jukiya Iimura (Kadoebi Hoseki). Having arrived in Japan last weekend, Olascuaga is still undergoing minor adjustments for jet lag, yet he appeared in high spirits, stating, “I feel very good.” Coming off a successful defence against Taku Kuwahara (Ohashi) this past December, the short turnaround seems to have allowed the champion to maintain his peak competitive condition.

During today’s session, which was open to media filming, Olascuaga engaged in intense mitt work and heavy bag drills. He showed no hesitation in displaying his trademark power punches, even with the challenger’s trainer, Kenta Okumura, and second, Mio Sanari, in attendance to scout the session.