Artem Dalakian vs Seigo Yuri Akui WBA Title Fight to Hit Japan
3Kings Boxing has learned that Artem Dalakian (22-0, 15 KOs) will make the seventh defense of the WBA flyweight title against the mandatory challenger Seigo Yuri Akui (18-2-1, 11 KOs) on November 15 at Ryoguko Kokugikan National Sumo Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
Dalakain is the longest reigning active world flyweight champion. He won the then-vacant WBA belt in February 2018 with a twelve-round unanimous decision over Brian Viloria.
All but one of the defending champion’s previous title defenses have occurred in his adopted home of Ukraine. But in his last outing, the now 36-year-old traveled to London, England and came away with a highly questionable unanimous decision victory over David Jimenez in January 2023.
Akui is on a six-fight winning streak. The most notable win on Akui’s resume is a first-round stoppage over former WBC flyweight champion Masamichi Yabuki in April 2018.
A CLASH OF STYLES
Dalakian is a fighter who tends to move a lot around the ring. The Ukrainian is a boxer who uses his left jab to set up his attack. Akui is more of a stationary fighter who likes to press the action. Having observed Akui on film, the 28-year-old from Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan is well-schooled with excellent inside fighting skills and decent pop in both hands.
Given his age, how much does the defending champion has left in the tank? Fighting on home soil, can Akui take advantage of the opportunity and rise to the occasion in what is his first world title opportunity? Dalakian versus Akui will air live on ESPN Plus on the undercard of the WBA bantamweight title fight between champion Takuma Inoue and challenger Jerwin Ancajas.
