JAPANESE boxing and its stars are coming to the forefront of the sport, beginning to capture regular worldwide attention. The bantamweight division, in particular, may soon create a new pound-for-pound contender.
With all four world champions undefeated fighters from Japan, fans are hopeful that unifications are imminent, and one man will prevail as an undisputed king in the near future. However, it has been revealed that Yoshiki Takei, 10-0 (8 KOs), will first defend his WBO marble on top of a solid bill in Yokohama before looking toward his fellow title holders.
Following his retirement as a world-renowned kickboxer, Takei debuted in the squared circle back in 2021 and a string of eight consecutive knockout wins saw the Tokyo-born southpaw rise into bantamweight world title contention, picking up the OPBF super-bantamweight title along the way.
Last May, Takei was tasked with reigning WBO 118lb world champion Jason Moloney, where the Aussie was trumped via a comfortable unanimous decision at the Tokyo Dome. Takei became a fully-fledged world champion in just nine professional contests, simultaneously going the distance for the first time in his short career.
Just four months later, Takei made the first defence of his title but required the judges’ intervention once again, going the full 12 rounds with former flyweight world champion Daigo Higa. Winning by just one round on two of the judges’ scorecards, Takei was dropped during the gruelling championship rounds.
Now Takei seeks to strengthen his claim as a dangerous rival for well-respected WBC bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani. Also, he can further build anticipation for unification showdowns against his other countrymen.
The 28-year-old aims for a first stoppage victory as defending world champion in a rescheduled bout against undefeated Thai contender and current WBO #8, Yuttapong Tongdee, 15-0 (9 KOs).
Whilst Tongdee is unbeaten, the 31-year-old has not fought outside of Thailand and has not faced the same calibre of opposition as Takei. Just two of his last five opponents (including two debutants) boast a winning record. Still, Tongdee cannot be overlooked. His notable win over Robeisy Ramirez as an amateur provides evidence that he could spring an upset if not taken seriously.
Meanwhile, on the undercard, highly-rated Eduardo ‘Sugar’ Nunez, 27-1 (27 KOs), finally gets his shot at the IBF super-featherweight world title as he travels to the backyard of Masanori Rikiishi, 16-1 (11 KOs). This is a battle for the currently vacant strap, previously held by Anthony Cacace, who now boxes Leigh Wood.
Having won all 27 of his professional fights via knockout, the Mexican knockout artist has emerged as a 130lb bogeyman of sorts in recent years and will go into the fight as a favourite. However, Rikiishi’s run of five straight wins inside the distance will give him the confidence that he can end Nunez’s run. It should be a fan-friendly affair.
The full card will take place on Wednesday, May 28, as the newly-opened Yokohama Buntai holds its first-ever boxing event.
