Andy Hiraoka Sets his Sights on WBO Champion Jose Valenzuela!
There have been high hopes for Japanese junior welterweight Andy “Da Blade” Hiraoka (24-0, 19 KOs) since early in his career. The 28-year-old has world championship aspirations. But has he done enough to show he can fight with the elite fighters at 140? He thinks so and has eyes on a fight with the reigning WBA champion, Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela (14-2, 9 KOs).
Hiraoka was very impressive during a ninth-round stoppage over Ismael Barroso in Tokyo, Japan *on the undercard of Naoya Inoue versus TJ Doheny. Using his jab and outstanding footwork, Da Blade took control early and never let the foot off the gas. He knocked down Barroso three times in what was an eye-opening performance. Afterward, the victor said the following about Valenzuela.
“I’m coming for you.”
PROVING HIS POINT
If the fight with Barroso is any indication, Hiraoka is world-class. Some may counter by saying that he beat up a 41-year-old man. However, Barroso was still competing with the top fighters in the division and didn’t look like an old man during a first-stoppage over Ohara Davis in January 2024. Never in his career has Barroso been dismantled like he was against Hiraoka.
Da Blade is a tall, quick, athletic, highly-skilled boxer with power in both hands. He has one of the best jabs in the division. The reality is that no one has established themselves as the commanding force in the division. With his size, boxing skills, and desire, the Japanese fighter has what it takes to compete with and beat the best in the division, including Valenzuela.
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