Top-ranked World Boxing Organization light flyweight Shokichi Iwata of Teiken Boxing Gym showed a public workout on Oct. 28 at the gym as he will challenge WBO light flyweight champion Jonathan Gonzalez of Puerto Rico for the latter’s title on Nov. 1 at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama Prefecture.

The undefeated Iwata, 26, hit the mitt held by his trainer Takahiro Ao, a former world champion in two different weight divisions, before watchful eyes of the Gonzalez side, including trainer Luis Estaba.

Estaba said, ‘’While he has got good straight rights and uppercuts, we already knew that. True it will be a difficult fight since Iwata looks like in good condition. But we know we will win it.’’

Iwata did a total of 97 rounds of sparring for the fight chiefly with top-ranked World Boxing Council minimumweight Ginjiro Shigeoka of Watanabe Boxing Gym and appears to be ready for his southpaw champion, who is known for his skillful technique.

Iwata said, ‘’While I have so far fought with southpaws only twice as a professional, I had fought with southpaws many times when I was an amateur. In my sparring (with Shigeoka), I brought back a sense of fighting with a southpaw after a round or two of the sparring.’’

Ao added, ‘’How to launch an attack on him would be the key points. Attacking the opponent without hesitation when the timing is right will be important.’’

Iwata said, ‘’I am determined to deck him without fail because I believe in what I have been doing to prepare for the fight. My feeling of excitement is many times more than usual.’’

The 31-year-old Gonzales, who is making his second defense of the title he captured a year ago, has a record of 26 wins, including 14 KOs, against three losses and one no contest. Iwata has nine wins, six by KO.

The fight will serve as the chief supporting card for the title unification fight between WBC light flyweight champion Kenshiro Teraji of B.M.B. Boxing Gym and Hiroto Kyoguchi of the Watanabe gym.