Sweet Revenge for Kenshiro Teraji Who Becomes a Two-Time Champion
There was an extra sense of anticipation at the City Gym in Kyoto, Japan for the rematch between WBC junior flyweight champion Masamichi Yabuki (13-4, 12 KOs) and the man he defeated for the title, Kenshiro Teraji (19-1, 11 KOs). The two previously fought at the venue on September 22, 2021.
During their first fight, Teraji was looking to make a ninth successful defense while Yabuki was a huge underdog. However, after gaining an early lead and surviving some shaky moments in the middle rounds, the underdog rallied to score a sensational tenth-round TKO in one of the biggest upsets of 2021.
Teraji suffered a bad cut over his right eye. Afterward, his team accused Yabuki of excessive headbutting and petitioned the WBC for an immediate rematch. It was eventually granted by the sanctioning body. Coming into the rematch, both men were fully confident of victory.
ON A MISSION
The key to Yabuki’s win previously was his jab, which often frustrated the former champ. This time around, Teraji pressed the action and was all over the champ like bad breath. He neutralized Yabuki’s jab by fighting at a fast pace; using his quick feet to close the gap and get inside the long reach of his opponent.
In regards to fighting style and demeanor, this was a different Teraji. You could see the fire in his eyes from the opening bell. He had multiple things to prove in this fight. Not only did he want revenge for his first professional loss, he wanted his title back and he wanted it back in style!
Sixty seconds into round three, a flush right hand put Yabuki down. While the champ regained his footing, he was really dazed and unsettled. Referee Michiaki Someya stepped and wisely waved off the fight!
Reading Time: 2 minutes
By: Michael Wilson Jr
