Undisputed Hopeful Kenshiro Teraji Headed for Unification with Jonathan Gonzalez!
3Kings Boxing previously reported that unified junior flyweight champion Kenshiro Teraji (20-1, 12 KOs) and WBO champion Jonathan Gonzalez (27-3-1, 14 KOs) were in negotiations for a unification contest this spring. At a press conference in Teraji’s home country of Japan, an announcement was made that they will face each other on April 8 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
CHAMPION VERSUS CHAMPION
Teraji is 3kingsboxing.com’s Comeback Fighter of the Year. In December 2022, he became the unified champion with a seventh-round stoppage over the then-WBA titleholder, Hiroto Kyoguchi. On the undercard, Gonzalez successfully defended the WBO belt with a unanimous decision win over Shokichi Iwata. Following the victory over Kyoguchi, Teraji revealed he had a conversation with Gonzalez, telling the WBO champion directly about his desire to face him.
Since a shocking stoppage loss to countryman Masamichi Yabuki in September 2021, Teraji is rejuvenated and fighting better than ever. He is technically sound and multi-faceted, with power in both hands. The unified champion can box outside or initiate the action on the front foot with equal success. His ultimate goal is to become undisputed.
RELATED: Teraji Plots His Takeover: “I Want To Reach Undisputed Status”
To do that, he must take care of business against Gonzalez. The WBO champion from Caguas, Puerto Rico likes to use the jab and leg movement to control the tempo. His style is not the most aesthetically pleasing and often frustrates opponents. But what he does in the ring is effective.
Can Teraji force Gonzalez outside his comfort zone and find a home for his power punches? Will Gonzalez be able to fluster and frustrate the unified champion? It shapes up for a fascinating contest.
