Kenichi Ogawa Signs With Matchroom Promotions
Matchroom Boxing has announced they have reached a multi-fight deal with newly crowned IBF junior lightweight champion Kenichi Ogawa (26-1-1, 18 KOs). This is a co-promotional in concert with Teiken Promotions.
Ogawa is fresh from a win over Azinga Muzile at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden on November 27. The 33-year-old was impressive in his victory. Through a press release from Matchroom on December 8, the champ talked about his new partnership.
“I am happy to be joining Eddie Hearn and Matchroom. It was a great night in New York, and I was so thrilled to win the belt in a great fight with Fuzile.
I look forward to getting back in the ring soon to defend the title, on my way to win more belts. With Teiken Promotions, Matchroom and DAZN, we will be able to make big fights and perform all over the world. I am so excited for the fights that can come in 2022 and beyond.”
Matchroom CEO Eddie Hearn is ecstatic to have Ogawa as part of the roster. It will be interesting to see what they have planned for the resident of Tokyo, Japan. One would guess that the champ’s first title defense will be on home soil in the first quarter of 2022. From there, several options are on the table.
They could begin the pursuit for a unification contest with the other world champions at 130 pounds against Shakur Stevenson (WBO), Oscar Valdez (WBC), and Roger Gutierrez (WBA). Another option could be a rematch with former IBF junior lightweight champion Tevin Farmer.
In December of 2017, Ogawa fought Farmer for the then-vacant IBF title. Ogawa was declared the winner by split decision, but it was later ruled a no-contest after he tested positive for the banned substance Androstanediol. Following Ogawa’s win over Fuzile, Farmer took to social media calling for a rematch.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
