Kenshiro Teraji Headlines July 30 in Japan

It’s announced in Japan that Kenshiro Teraji, the World Boxing Council flyweight champion, will defend his title against Ricardo Sandoval on July 30 at the Yokohama Buntai in Yokohama, Japan.

The fight card will also feature other title bouts, including Antonio Vargas facing former champion Daigo Higa. Additionally, Erick Rosa will take on promising Japanese fighter Kyosuke Takami.

Teraji (25-1, 16 KOs) initially won the WBC light flyweight title in May 2017, defeating Ganigan López by majority decision.

Teraji defended the belt eight times, including a rematch against Ganigan López, whom he knocked out in two rounds.

However, after contracting COVID-19, he lost his undefeated record and his title to Masamichi Yabuki by tenth-round knockout in September 2021. Teraji returned with vigor, vim and determination, avenging his loss with a third-round knockout six months later.

Subsequently, he defeated Hiroto Kyoguchi by technical knockout, unifying the world titles. He then defended his crowns against Anthony Olascuaga (TKO9), Hekkie Budler (TKO9), and Carlos Cañizales.

Teraji moved up to the flyweight division, where he defeated Cristofer Rosales for the vacant WBC title. In March, he added the WBA title with a dramatic comeback that culminated in a last-round knockout over Seigo Yuri Akui.

Sandoval (26-2, 18 KOs), a 26-year-old from California, is on a six-fight winning streak, including knockout victories over former world title challenger Carlos Buitrago and former light flyweight champion Ángel Acosta.