Mizuki Hiruta Swiftly Stops Casey Morton and Proves Ready for Unification
WBO super flyweight champion Mizuki Hiruta (5-0, 1KO) made a statement to the rest of the division with a first-round knockout over challenger Casey Morton (11-4-3, 3KO). The next move for the champion could be a unification.
After winning the vacant title against Kanako Taniyama in December 2022, Hiruta was thrust into the minds of the boxing community. Following her victory, 3kingsboxing.com questioned if Team Hiruta would push for the pink-haired champion to become the face of Japanese boxing for women.
On June 13, Hiruta answered that question with a statement-making stoppage over Morton in the first round. Moreover, she became the first fighter to have stopped the two-time title challenger, Morton.
IS A UNIFICATION NEXT?
As always, there is a call for unification, and there are some interesting options when looking at this division. A fight with WBC champion Asley Gonzalez Macias is a good match-up. However, Hiruta would have to be willing to travel as Macias has never fought outside of her country in Mexico.
IBF champion Micaela Milagros Lujan is the longest reigning champion of the division, having held the title since 2021. The Argentinian has traveled in the past, with her last on-the-road fight being in Mexico in 2017. Furthermore, she has not been in the ring since August 2022, so a return is soon due.
Another option to look toward is WBA champion Clara Lescurat. She is an all-action fighter that is open to travel, considering her last title defense was in Paris on May 17.
The division is ripe for someone to start making a move toward undisputed.
