Kenshiro Teraji got here via an exciting contest with Seigo Yuri Akui to unify the WBC and WBA flyweight world titles.
On the historic Kokugikan Enviornment in Tokyo, Teraji scored a surprising stoppage victory within the final spherical.
The opening rounds have been shut however within the third Akui backed up Teraji along with his proper hand.
Teraji, the WBC titlist moving into, redoubled his efforts within the subsequent spherical however Akui made his physicality inform within the fifth.
Akui put combos collectively properly, but the motion continued to circulate forwards and backwards between them.
Teraji wanted to return on robust within the later rounds and he did so. Akui responded, concentrating on the physique.
Kenshiro Teraji celebrates after including the WBA title to the WBC world flyweight championship he already held
Teraji piled on the stress within the remaining spherical, sensing he wanted a knockout. He was trailing for 2 of the judges. He damage Akui and put collectively a mixture that, as soon as Akui appeared to sag on the knees, prompted the referee to step in and finish the competition.
It was Teraji’s 18th consecutive world title look, a staggering eight-year run that included two light-flyweight title reigns as properly.
On the undercard WBO flyweight world champion Anthony Olascuaga accomplished a profitable second title defence in opposition to former two-weight world champion Hiroto Kyoguchi, profitable by unanimous choice.
Referee Benjamin Rodriguez misunderstood the boxing announcer in Tokyo and raised the hand of Shokichi Iwata as a substitute of Rene Santiago
Japan’s Shokichi Iwata succumbed to Puerto Rico’s Rene Santiago, dropping a unanimous choice and the WBO light-flyweight strap.
There was an uncomfortable second when the referee unintentionally raised Iwata’s hand, however Santiago was appropriately introduced because the winner.
Watch Mikaela Mayer vs Sandy Ryan dwell on Sky Sports activities on March 30.
