Could We Finally See the Return of Diago Higa?
After being forced to sit on the shelf due to suspension, it looks like we will finally see the return of former WBC Flyweight champion Diago Higa (15-1, 15 KO’s) to the ring.
The last 17 months have been a trying time to say the least. First, Higa lost the strap on the scale prior to an April 15, 2018 title defense against Cristofer Rosales.
He was allowed to fight in spite of failing to make weight. However, Higa looked listless in the ring and was subsequently stopped by Rosales in nine rounds. Making matters worse, he was then suspended by the Japanese Boxing Commission (JBC) for his failure to make weight!
However, it looks like there is light at the end of the tunnel. 3KingsBoxing has learned Higa and his manager Yoko Gushiken applied for his suspension to be lifted by the JBC. Sources inside Japan, including the Japan Times, claim the JBC plans to lift the ban.
The official announcement regarding Higa’s lifted suspension is planned for early October. Once officially given the thumbs up, he intends to stage a fight before the end of this year.
Prior to his troubles and suspension, Higa was regarded as one of the more promising fighters among the smaller-weight divisions with a bright future. Much like his compatriot Naoya Inoue, the 24-year old Tokyo resident had been blasting through the opposition and had the look of a potential star. Now he is on the mend, trying to recapture the reputation he’s lost.
Higa is willing and ready to adhere to all demands of the JBC upon his return, which includes fighting at a weight above the 112-pound flyweight limit and having his condition and fitness regularly monitored.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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