Daiya Kira Stops Carlos Canizales in Seven to Win WBA Junior Flyweight Title
Fighting at the Yokohama Buntai Arena in Yokohama, Japan, Daiya Kira stopped two-time WBC junior flyweight champion Carlos Canizales to capture the vacant WBA junior flyweight title. Kira believes this victory is the first step toward becoming one of boxing’s elite fighters.
Kira (5-0, 4 KOs) landed early and often, using his speed and accuracy to frustrate Canizales (28-4-1, 20 KOs) throughout the opening rounds. He scored a flash knockdown in the third round with a left hook to the head. The moment proved to be telling as Canizales struggled to deal with Kira’s quickness and precision.
As the fight progressed, Canizales became increasingly wild with his punches, while Kira remained composed. The 23-year-old repeatedly avoided Canizales’ attacks and responded with sharp combinations through the first six rounds.
Early in the seventh, Kira sent the Venezuelan crashing to the canvas with a devastating left hook to the jaw. Unlike the earlier knockdown, there was no doubt Canizales was badly hurt. He rose on unsteady legs and continued to reel, prompting the referee to stop the contest.
HIGH EXPECTATIONS
The win certainly puts Kira in esteemed company. Four-division world champion Kosei Tanaka is Japan’s quickest fighter to capture a world title. Now, Daiya Kira has tired that record and has his eyes on much larger ambitions. The young champion wants to unify the junior flyweight division, become a world champion in multiple weight classes and eventually earn recognition as one of boxing’s best pound-for-pound fighters.
Based on what he accomplished against the highly respected Canizales, Kira may already be on his way to making those lofty goals a reality.
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