Top-ranked World Boxing Organization minimumweight Masataka Taniguchi of Watanabe Boxing Gym will take a crack at champion Wilfredo Mendez of Puerto Rico for the latter’s title on Dec. 14 at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Arena, it was learned on Oct. 29 via a press conference held online at Ohashi Boxing Gym in Yokohama.

The scheduled 12-rounder will serve as the chief supporting card of the defense of the two bantamweight world titles simultaneously held by Naoya ‘’Monster’’ Inoue of the Ohashi gym. It will be Taniguchi’s second challenge at a world title.

After turning pro in 2016, the 27-year-old Taniguchi captured the WBO Asia-Pacific minimumweight crown in 2018 and challenged Victorio Saludar of the Philippines for the latter’s title in 2019 only to drop a unanimous decision.

After losing to Saludar, Taniguchi has gradually climbed up to the No. 1 position in the rankings, becoming a mandatory challenger. Taniguchi has a record of 14 wins, including nine knockouts, against three defeats.

The 24-year-old Mendez, who captured the title by decisioning Saludar in August 2019, has successfully defended the title twice. He last fought in February 2020. Mendez has a 16-1 win-loss record with six KOs.

The Ohashi gym also said highly touted former K-1 kingpin Yoshiki Takei will have his third bout in one of the undercards after turning pro in March this year. He knocked out both of his opponents in the first round.