Ken Shiro vs Jonathan Taconing: WBC Mandatory Defense Possible

Ken Shiro Looks to Knockout Mandatory Defense Next

Ken Shiro and Jonathan Taconing
Ken Shiro (left) will look to make his 6th title defense against Jonathan Taconing (right).

WBC light flyweight mandatory defense for Ken Shiro is in the works!


We last saw Ken Shiro in the ring disposing of Saul Juarez en route to a fifth successful defense of the WBC light flyweight title in December 2018.

Since then, we’ve heard very little from the undefeated 27-year old from Tokyo other than a verbal commit to face WBA super and lineal champion Hiroto Kyoguchi later this year.

However, we may now have an idea on what’s next for the fighter known as “The Amazing Boy”.

3KingsBoxing has learned plans are in the works for Shiro (15-0, 8KOs) to fight WBC mandatory challenger Jonathan Taconing (28-3-1, 22KOs) on the undercard of the upcoming Rob Brant vs Ryota Murata rematch in July.

We have yet to receive any official announcements. However, once you start hearing news developments popping up from Japan, far more times than not there’s some substance.

Having lost two previous attempts at the WBC title, this could be the last title shot for the 32-year old mandatory challenger from the Philippines.

For the champion, this fight can have larger ramifications moving forward. At the beginning of this year, rumors started spreading among Japanese boxing circles of a unification bout between Shiro and Kyoguchi at end of 2019.

Both champions are on record committing to the challenge! Therefore, with Shiro’s next fight possibly being a mandatory defense, it would open the door for a unification showdown; a fight that would be considered a mega-bout in Japan.

As always, stay tuned to 3KingsBoxing for any further developments.

By: Michael Wilson Jr.

Other Featured Articles: Hiroto Kyoguchi Wants Unification Bout Against Ken Shiro!

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About Mike W.2133 Articles
Mike is the host of boxing podcast "Pound 4 Pound Boxing Report" and is a Senior Writer for 3kingsboxing.com.