Newly crowned World Boxing Association flyweight champion Seigo ‘’Yuri’’ Akui of Kurashiki Moriyasu Boxing Gym was presented with Kurashiki City Sports Honor Award from the Okayama prefectural city mayor Kaori Ito on March 13 at the city office for his becoming the first world champion from an Okayama prefectural gym in January.

  The 28-year-old Akui, who wrested the title on Jan. 23 in Osaka by decisioning previously undefeated Artem Dalakian of Ukraine, will make his first defense of the title against third-ranked Taku Kuwahara of Ohashi Boxing Gym on May 6 at Tokyo Dome as one of the, undercards of undisputed world super bantamweight champion Naoya ‘’The Monster’’ Inoue’s title defense.

  Akui, born and raised in the city, said he is determined to return the courtesy by winning continuously, adding, ‘’I will continue to become stronger by training more.’’ He said he will move up to Tokyo at the end of the month after attending various commemorative events expected more so that he can concentrate on his title defense.

  The gym’s head Ryuya Moriyasu also received Kurashiki City Sports Award for his contribution to sound growth of youths ever since he opened the gym in the western Japanese city 37 years ago.