Masayuki Ito signs promotional deal with Top Rank!
In 2018, Masayuki Ito was really one of the feel good stories of boxing. Only known within the Japanese boxing circles, Ito (25-1-1, 13KOs) ventured to the US and upset Christopher Diaz. The win granted him the WBO junior lightweight title.
In December 2018, Ito made an impressive first defense as he stopped mandatory challenger Evgeny Chuprakov in seven rounds in Tokyo. The fashion in which he defeated both Diaz and Chuprakov shows the Japanese fighter to be of real substance in the division.
The news has only gotten better for Ito, as 3KingsBoxing has learned he has signed a three year co-promotional deal with ESPN/Top Rank who will promote his bouts in the U.S.
He is also signed with Teiken Promotions in Japan. This comes to no surprise given his last fight was broadcast on ESPN+.
Ito is currently training in the U.S. to prepare for his second defense against Jamel Herring. While attending Lomachenko vs Crolla in Los Angeles, he spoke with the media about the upcoming bout.
“I am grateful to the people who prepared this stage, but I want to show a good match and achieve defense“.
Still in the process of learning English, it’s noteworthy he spoke to the local press in English. Ito faces Herring May 25 in Kissimmee, Florida live on ESPN.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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