Both International Boxing Federation bantamweight champion Emmanuel Rodriguez of Puerto Rico and top-ranked challenger Ryosuke Nishida of Muto Boxing Gym cleared the weigh-ins at an Osaka hotel on May 3, setting the stage for their title clash the following day at EDION Arena Osaka.

  The 31-year-old Rodriguez, who is making his first defense of the title he won by decisioning Melving Lopez of Nicaragua last August, tipped the scales at 53.4 kg, or 100 gm under the weight limit, while Nishida, 27, weighed in at the class limit of 53.5 kg.

  Rodriguez has a record of 22 wins, including 13 KOs, against two losses and one no decision, whereas the left-handed Nishida, who fought as an amateur during his high school and university days, is undefeated in his eight professional bouts, one by knockout.