Hiroto Kyoguchi Has Eyes on a Unification Fight Against Elwin Soto
On March 13, WBA World “Super’/Ring Magazine Light Flyweight champion Hiroto Kyoguchi (15-0, 10 KOs) made his Matchroom Boxing and American debut. He defended the title for the third time with a 5th round TKO over Axel Aragon Vega at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
On April 15 in his native Japan, Kyoguchi held a virtual press conference for local media. The 27-year-old resident of Tokyo rehashed his experience fighting overseas and discussed his ambitions moving forward.
According to fight media source Asian Boxing, the champ was happy with the increased marketability from fighting in the States. However, he was self-critical of how he performed against Vega.
(translated from Japanese) “I was able to do boxing differently in the previous bout, so I want to pursue it. I want to increase the withdrawal of offense and defense.
I’m in an environment where big matches can be realized, so I’ve broadened my horizons now. It’s a good experience for me to be able to fight in the United States.”
If you had to grade Kyoguchi’s bout against Vega, it would be incomplete. Fighting for the first time in 14-months, he had a rough go of it throughout. The 108-pound world champ did have his hand raised in victory, but the fight ended as a result of an injury suffered by Vega.
TARGETING SOTO
As far as Kyoguchi’s future, that’s up in the air. However, his goal is to engage in a unification fight. He has his eyes on a match against current WBO World Light Flyweight champion Elwin Soto.
“I think the chances have become more realistic. I’m interested in the WBO belt because I haven’t held it yet. I think it may happen by the end of the year.”
On April 9, Matchroom announced they had signed Soto to a promotional deal. On the surface, a Kyoguchi v Soto 108-pound unification fight should not be difficult to make. However, there may be a more enticing bout that fans want to see.
In Japan, there has been a lot of talk of a potential fight between Kyoguchi and his fellow countryman, WBC World Light Flyweight champion Kenshiro Teraji. When he was asked about Teraji during the virtual presser, Kyoguchi surprisingly downplayed the idea.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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