Kenshiro Teraji KO’s Seigo Yuri Akui in the final stanza

Kenshiro Teraji successfully defended his World Boxing Council flyweight title and captured the WBA crown, with a 12th round TKO of compatriot Seigo Yuri Akui in the main event which Teiken Promotions presented at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo.

It was a very close, highly competitive fight, with both fighters alternating in dominance. However, Teraji pressed and pressured down the stretch and finally overwhelmed Akui, who remained on his feet. However, Teraji’s volume of punches was taking their toll and the Referee decided to step in to stop the one way head on traffic.

Akui’s corner did not protest the ruling, because it was clear he was being systematically buffeted and hurt by Teraji.

The end came at 1:31 of round 12. By round 11, Akui was ahead on two scorecards, 105-104 and 105-104, while a third Judge had Teraji ahead 106-103, demonstrating how close and intense the unremitting action proved.

With this victory, Teraji improved his record to 25-1, with 15 knockouts, while Akui fell to 21-3-1, with 11 knockouts.