Fifth-ranked World Boxing Organization minimumweight Kai Ishizawa of M.T Boxing Gym held an online press conference on Apr. 14 and said he is all set for his challenge to the champion Masataka Taniguchi of Watanabe Boxing Gym for the latter’s title on Apr. 22 at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall.

The 25-year-old Ishizawa, who has recently been nicknamed ‘’Micro Tyson’’ a la Mike Tyson, said he wound up 150 rounds of sparring for the upcoming fight, adding, ‘’The only thing left for me is to accomplish my weight control. In the coming fight, how to box at my own pace is important.’’

Taniguchi, 28, and Ishizawa once fought in September 2019, in which Taniguchi won an eight-round unanimous decision. Ishizawa then captured the Japanese minimumweight title left vacant by Taniguchi in January this year by stopping Katsuki Mori of Ohashi Boxing Gym. But Ishizawa relinquished the title in March to challenge Taniguchi.

In his fight with southpaw Taniguchi, Ishizawa once floored him with his overhand right. Ishizawa said, ‘’When I take my chance (in the upcoming fight), I will put my punches together. I know that kind of chance will not come easily. But I will try to take every opportunity not only in the earlier part but also in the latter part of the fight (scheduled for 12 rounds).’’

His trainer Takashi Okada said when Ishizawa first fought with Taniguchi, he was not accustomed to fighting against left-handed boxers, which was one of the reasons for his defeat to Taniguchi. Since his defeat, Ishizawa has been engaged in training against left-handed boxers from time to time, he has dispelled his aversion to southpaw boxers.

Okada said, ‘’I cannot go into details (about the planned tactics).’’ But he is pinning big hopes on Ishizawa, who has even practiced with his stablemate and highly touted WBO flyweight champion Junto Nakatani and other left-handed boxers.

Okada said the reason why he nicknamed Ishizawa ‘’Micro Tyson.’’ ‘’I utilized the popularity of Tyson, and that will give him a strong impact. I think he will fight living up to his nickname.’’

Ishizawa echoed what Okada commented by saying, ‘’Yes, I have been gradually turning into the nickname. I want to fight like a fight which will go far beyond a lighter (the lightest) weight division.’’ According to Ishizawa, he has some 5 to 6 kg (11 to 13 lbs.) above the 47.62 kg (105 lbs.) minimumweight limit as of the Apr. 14 interview.

Ishizawa has a record of nine wins, including eight KOs, against a loss. For his part, Taniguchi has a 15-3 win-loss tally with 10 KOs.  Photo by M.T Boxing Gym