Masamichi Yabuki Could Leap to 115 After Rene Calixto Victory
Masamichi Yabuki successfully defended his IBF flyweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Rene Calixto by scores of 118-108, 118-108, and 116-110. While the champion has expressed interest in unifying the division at 112 pounds, a move up to junior bantamweight may be the more attractive option.
Fighting before a home crowd at Aichi Sky Expo in Tokoname, Japan, Yabuki (20-4, 18 KOs) was in control from the opening bell. With just under a minute remaining in the first round, the hard-hitting Japanese champion dropped Calixto (24-2-1, 10 KOs) with a right hand followed by a left hook. Thirty seconds later, Yabuki scored a second knockdown after unleashing another barrage of punches.
By the midway point of the contest, Yabuki appeared to be cruising while systematically breaking down the Mexican challenger. Calixto showed toughness and determination, but he struggled to match the champion’s speed, power, and accuracy.
It appeared Yabuki would fulfill his pre-fight prediction of scoring a knockout victory. However, the champion eased off the pressure during the second half of the fight. Although he hurt Calixto again in the tenth round, Yabuki was unable to produce the finishing sequence and ultimately settled for a dominant decision win.
MOVE UP OR STAY PUT?
Despite falling short of the stoppage, Yabuki enhanced his standing as one of the top fighters in the flyweight division and now finds himself with several options moving forward.
Should he remain at 112 pounds, a mandatory title defense against Miel Fajardo could be next. Fajardo earned the mandatory position following his upset first-round knockout of Tabais Reyes on May 11 in Argentina. Yabuki has also made it clear that he would welcome a unification bout against another titleholder in the division.
Still, there are growing concerns about Yabuki’s ability to continue making the flyweight limit. If the weight cut is becoming increasingly difficult, a move to 115 pounds could make sense. With unified junior bantamweight champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez set to campaign at bantamweight, the landscape at 115 pounds is beginning to open up.
That could create an ideal opportunity for Yabuki to pursue championships in a third weight class. Given his size, power, and recent performances, the Japanese star may find that his path to even greater success lies not at flyweight, but one division higher.
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