Former World Boxing Council flyweight champion Daigo Higa held an online press conference on June 30 and said he will belong to Ambition GYM, following in the footsteps of World Boxing Organization super flyweight champion Kazuto Ioka who has just moved to the GYM from DANGAN AOKI gym.

‘’True I have had many things to think over, but the most important thing for me is to continue my career with Mr.(Joji) Nogi,’’ who was his mentor-cum-trainer ever since Higa’s debut in 2014 from Shirai Gushiken Sports Gym run by former World Boxing Association junior flyweight champion Yoko Gushiken.

Nogi left the gym by assuming the responsibility for Higa having failed to make the 112-pound flyweight limit in his third unsuccessful title defense in April 2018.

Although the 24-year-old Higa moved up to the bantamweight and returned to the ring in February this year by stopping a Philippine boxer, he looked depressed and eventually left the gym, which will be closed at the end of July 31, ending its 25-year history.

Nogi, who also was beside Higa in the press conference, said, ‘’If possible, I want to have him fight two more bouts (first in September or October) this year. I think Higa’s condition has extremely improved compared with what he was two months ago, so much so that his fans will be happy to see the new Higa.’’

Asked about a possible bout with WBA (super champion) and International Boxing Federation bantamweight kingpin Naoya Inoue, Higa said, ‘’I can’t imagine right now.’’ But he added, ‘’I want to become a world champion as early as possible.’’

But, Nogi said, ‘’Unless Higa holds a world title, I don’t think he has the right to face Inoue, nicknamed ‘’Monster.’’

Higa concluded a management agreement with Tlarock Entertainment Inc., a Tokyo-based company dealing in various commercial management business mainly for athletes, on June 28. Ioka, the only Japanese who has conquered world titles in four different weight divisions, also belongs to Tlarock.

‘’I think Tlarock will see to it that it can provide us with the best possible training conditions,’’ Higa brimmed with confidence.