Both World Boxing Association light flyweight ‘’super’’ champion Hiroto Kyoguchi of Watanabe Boxing Gym and ‘regular’’ champion Esteban Bermudez of Mexico tipped the scales at the class limit of 48.9 kg (108 lbs) at the official weigh-ins in Guadalajara, Mexico, on June 9, setting the stage for their title unification fight on June 10 (11 Japan time).

It will be the second straight time for Kyoguchi to defend his title overseas following his technical knockout win over Axel Aragon Vega of Mexico in Dallas in the U.S. state of Texas in March last year for his third defense of the title.

Although the place for the fight changed to Guadalajara in mid-May from the originally scheduled Mexico City, which has an altitude of 2,240 meters, Guadalajara still has a relatively high altitude of 1,500 meters, and attention is focused on whether or not the 28-year-old Kyoguchi can do himself justice under such circumstances.

The following is a message sent by Kyoguchi in the form of the question-and-answer session.

Question: What is your impression of Bermudez’s physical characteristics and personality?
Answer: He is slender and tall. His character is good. He is a nice guy.

Q: What about your training in Guadalajara?
A: I have had great support. I, therefore, have no stress.

Q: What significance do you think the fight will have?
A: This will be the fight by which I can go to the next stage.

Q: After the weigh-in, what did you have for recovery from your weight-reduction effort?
A: I had rice porridge with eggs, cod roe spaghetti and samgyetang cooked by my manager.

Q: Would you please show your enthusiasm in the away fight?
A: Though it will be an away match, I really want to be recognized irrespective of the place. I am looking forward to it very much.

Kyoguchi has a record of 15 straight wins, including 10 KOs. For his part, Bermudez, 26, has a 14-3-2 win-loss-draw tally with 10 KOs. He won the title by stopping Carlos Canizales of Venezuela in May last year. This will be his first title defense.

Kyoguchi, who was a former International Boxing Federation minimumweight champion, had to postpone the fight for a long time due to his repeated injuries despite the WBA’s request for him to carry out the title unification fight. He first fractured his right thumb last September. He then injured his left elbow and left knee.
Photo by Watanabe Boxing Gym.