Kenshiro Teraji to make hometown title defense against #1 contender Masamichi Yabuki
Boxing’s longest reigning world light flyweight champion, Kenshiro Teraji (18-0, 10 KOs), is making his return to the ring. On September 10, he’s looking to make the ninth defense of the WBC World 108 pound title against #1 contender Masamichi Yabuki (12-3, 11 KOs) at City Gym in Kyoto, Japan.
A press event to announce the fight was held on July 5 in Japan. Both Teraji and Yabuki were in attendance.
RELATED: Kenshiro Teraji: Endless Options In A Deep Light Flyweight Division
THE CHAMP RETURNS HOME
It’s a homecoming world title defense for the 29-year-old, who won the WBC World belt with a unanimous decision win over Ganigan Lopez in May of 2017. Teraji is looking forward to defending the title in his hometown for the very first time. According to the Asian source, Asian Boxing, he told the local media this match will not go the distance.
(translated from Japanese) “I’m happy to be able to fight the world war in my hometown. I’ll definitely win with KO.”
He will face a Yabuki who is admittedly unknown outside the Japanese boxing scene. However, among domestic observers, fans know him for having heavy hands in both fists. Confident in his punching power, he told the media he plans to win by stoppage.
The reigning WBC champ has a long-term goal of surpassing the record for the most world title defenses by a Japanese fighter. That is held currently by iconic Japanese boxing legend Yoko Gushiken. He made thirteen defenses of the WBA title from 1976-1980. Teraji hopes the march towards that coveted aspiration will continue against Yabuki.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
