Third-ranked World Boxing Organization flyweight Anthony Olascuaga of the United States was brimming with confidence in his public workout in Tokyo on July 11 as he will vie for the vacant WBO flyweight title with second-ranked WBO flyweight Riku Kano of Taisei Boxing Gym on July 20 in Tokyo.
The fight, to be held at Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Arena, is part of event dubbed ‘’Prime Video Presents Live Boxing 9,’’ in which two other world title fights and highly touted kick-boxer-turned Tenshin Nasukawa of Teiken Boxing Gym’s fourth professional bout will be included.
The 25-year-old Olascuaga, who has a promotional tie with Teiken Promotions, displayed a round of shadowboxing as well as a round of heavy bag hitting at Teiken gym. Olascuaga promised he will show an exciting fight.
While Olascuaga was stopped in the ninth round by World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association light flyweight champion Kenshiro Teraji of B.M.B. Boxing Gym in April last year in Tokyo, he showed his mettle and exchanged fierce punches with Teraji and momentarily staggered the Japanese late in the eighth round.
He returned to the ring last September by stopping Giemel Magramo of the Philippines in Tokyo.
Daisuke Okabe, a Los Angeles-based Japanese trainer for Olascuaga, said, ‘’While Kano does not have a thing that stands out, he has high average level in every aspect.’’
Okabe told reporters, ‘’I am given to understand Kano wants to exchange blows (with Olascuaga), that will work in favor of Olascuaga.’’
The 25-year-old Olascuaga has a record of six wins, including four knockouts, against a loss. For his part, the left-handed Kano, 26, has a record of 22 wins, including 11 KOs, against four losses and two draws.
WBC bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani of M.T Boxing Gym will take on top-ranked Vincent Astrolabio of the Philippines for his first defense of the title he won in February.
WBO super flyweight champion Kosei Tanaka of Soul Box Hatanaka Boxing Gym will face 12th-ranked Jonathan Rodriguez of Mexico also for his first defense of the title he captured in February.