Hiroto Kyoguchi Predicts a Victory in June 10 Bout with Esteban Bermudez
On June 10, Hiroto Kyoguchi (15-0, 10 KOs) will make the fourth defense of the WBA Super world junior flyweight title against WBA Regular 108-pound champion Esteban Bermudez (14-3-2, 10 KOs). The two will square off at the Domo Alcalde in Guadalajara, Mexico on DAZN.
In Bermudez, the champ is facing someone who pundits considered a legit threat. He’s coming off a surprisingly dominant sixth-round TKO over the highly-regarded Carlos Canizalez in May 2021 to capture the WBA Regular title. Kyoguchi respects the challenger’s ability and power. But, during an interview with Matchroom Boxing, the 28-year-old is confident that he will leave the ring with his hand held up in victory.
“He hits hard, with very strong punches. So, I will be wary of that. I think he’s a good fighter. It will be an exciting match, but I’m better than him in all aspects.“
EXPANDING THE BRAND
After previously reigning as IBF strawweight champion from April 2017 to September 2018, Kyoguchi went up in weight and defeated Hekkie Butler to win the junior flyweight title in December 2018. The two-division world champ has built up a fanbase and is popular in Japan, a hotbed money producer when it comes to the lower-weight division. So it may be a surprise to observers that he’s opted to defend the title in Bermudez’s home country of Mexico. But for the champ, this is part of a larger master plan.
He signed a multi-fight deal with Matchroom Promotions in December 2020. Kyoguchi is hoping to follow in the footsteps of friend and unified bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue and believes linking up with Matchroom will make him a marketable commodity in North America.
The mission is to defeat Canizales, using him as a springboard to what he hopes is a unification fight with WBC junior flyweight champ Kenshiro Teraji later this year. He also aspires to win world titles beyond 108. However, he must first take care of business in Mexico. But Kyoguchi is focused and understands the mission at hand and promises he will be more than ready.
“Bermudez is a strong and aggressive fighter. So, I think it will be a very exciting and interesting fight. I will definitely win on June 10, so look forward to it.”
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
