International Boxing Federation super featherweight champion Kenichi Ogawa of Teiken Boxing Gym arrived in London on May 29 (30 Japan time) to defend his title against third-ranked Joe Cordina of Britain in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, on June 4 (5 Japan time), according to the gym.

After arriving at Heathrow Airport on the outskirts of London, the 34-year-old Ogawa left for Cardiff by car. The fight will be held at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, the gym said.

It will be Ogawa’s first defense of the title he captured last November by beating Azinga Fuzile of South Africa for the vacant title at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Ogawa concluded a multi-fight promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing of England last December. Matchroom, buttressed by DAZN, a sports streaming platform, is regarded as one of the world’s foremost promotion entities.

The following is Ogawa’s message sent via the gym.

‘’I was able to arrive in England in one piece despite some 15-hour long journey from Japan. Here in England, it is warmer than I had thought. The climate is almost the same as that of Japan, and I feel comfortable. Since I still have about a week before the fight, I will concentrate for the time being on getting myself in shape. Then, I think I will fit into the atmosphere of the world title fight when various events associated with the fight are expected.’’

Ogawa has a record to 26 wins, including 18 KOs, against a loss and a draw with one no contest. For his part, Cordina, 30, is undefeated in his 14 fights, including eight KOs, after making his professional debut in April 2017.
Photo by Taiken Boxing Gym