Mizuki Hiruta vs Taylah Robertson Matchup Possible in 2024
At the Korakeun Hall in Tokyo, Japan, it was easy work for Japanese lefty Mizuki Hiruta (6-0, 2 KOs), who successfully defended the WBO junior bantamweight title for the second time with a sixth-round stoppage over Ji Hyun Park. Next could be a potential matchup with top contender Taylah “The Matador” Robertson (9-1, 2 KOs).
At this point in her career, all of Hiruta’s fights have occurred on home soil in Tokyo. She won the WBO belt with a unanimous decision victory over Kanako Taniyama in December 2022. Hiruta’s first title defense was an eye-opening first-round stoppage over Casey Croft in June 2023. The champion has followed that up with another impressive performance against Park.
RISING IN POPULARITY
With her bright pink hair, appealing fighting style, and effervescent personality outside the ring, the 27-year-old is the most popular in the land of the rising sun. Some fight pundits believe Hiruta is best junior bantamweight in the world.
Some observers of female boxing believe she’s on the cusp of defending the title abroad. If that’s the case, a possible scenario could be a Hiruta title defense against Robertson, the current WBO number-one contender at 115.
Robertson has a growing fanbase in Australia. With an endorsement deal with noted boxing equipment brand Everlast, the 25-year-old is shooting up the ranks in the local fight scene in her home country. Robertson said the following when asked by 3kingsboxing.com about fighting the champion.
“I only want to fight the best in my division.”
Hiruta and Robertson are well-schooled fighters and excellent counterpunchers. Similar in height at 5’4”, Hiruta has a slightly longer reach. The WBO champion prefers to fight at a distance and sharpshoot. Robertson is more willing to stand her ground and mix it up.
ALL ABOUT LOCATION
Where the potential fight happens would be a battle at the negotiating table. Hiruta would love for it to occur in Japan. However, this is a bottom-line business.
Australian promoters are more than willing to shell out the dollars on behalf of their home area fighters. They could go in their pockets and summon up the cash to entice the champion to take the show on the road.
With Robertson’s standing as Hiruta’s number-one contender, it’s feasible that these ladies could face one another at some point in 2024.
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