Kenshiro takes part in public work out, spars with Ginjiro Shigeoka!
0
4
Later this month we'll see WBC Light Flyweight champion Kenshiro (15-0, 8) [拳四朗] will defend his title against mandatory challenger Jonathan Taconing (28-3-1, 22) in Osaka.
Today, ahead of that bout, we had two different stories about the contest.
Firstly it's been confirmed that the bout will be aired on ESPN+ in the US, giving American fans a chance to see one of Japan's top young fighters in action against a hard hitting Filipino.
Secondly was the fact that Kenshiro actually took part in a public work out for the Japanese press, showing the shape he was in and speaking to the press in detail about his preparation.
The fighter's father, Hisashi Teraji, stated that whilst this will be his son's 6th defense the next big goal is defense #10 and he's wanting to chace tough opponents for his son. Kenshiro agreed with the thinking, telling the press that he wanted to prove his ability and build his profile, something that having this bout shown live in both Japanese and the US will help with. He added that he had become better since winning the title but was also aware of Taconing's ability, and didn't appear to be over-looking the challenger.
Kenshiro has been preparing for this bout with a lot of sparring, and revealed that he has sparred more than 120 rounds for this bout, including rounds with former world title challenger Pedro Taduran (13-2, 10), to try and prepare for the southpaw stance of Taconing.
Notably after talking to the press Kenshiro took part in a 2 round spar with teenage prospect Ginjiro Shigeoka (3-0, 2) [重岡銀次朗], who battles Clyde Azarcon (15-2-1, 5) on July 27th for the WBO Asia Pacific Minimumweight title. The first round of that spar was competitive, though in round 2 Kenshiro did turn on the jets a bit and showed why he is a world champion. The sparring did however see both men taking positives, and it's clear that Shigeoka is soaking up what he can from Kenshiro ahead of his big bout at the end of the month.
(Image courtesy of boxmob.jp)
Today, ahead of that bout, we had two different stories about the contest.
Firstly it's been confirmed that the bout will be aired on ESPN+ in the US, giving American fans a chance to see one of Japan's top young fighters in action against a hard hitting Filipino.
Secondly was the fact that Kenshiro actually took part in a public work out for the Japanese press, showing the shape he was in and speaking to the press in detail about his preparation.
The fighter's father, Hisashi Teraji, stated that whilst this will be his son's 6th defense the next big goal is defense #10 and he's wanting to chace tough opponents for his son. Kenshiro agreed with the thinking, telling the press that he wanted to prove his ability and build his profile, something that having this bout shown live in both Japanese and the US will help with. He added that he had become better since winning the title but was also aware of Taconing's ability, and didn't appear to be over-looking the challenger.
Kenshiro has been preparing for this bout with a lot of sparring, and revealed that he has sparred more than 120 rounds for this bout, including rounds with former world title challenger Pedro Taduran (13-2, 10), to try and prepare for the southpaw stance of Taconing.
Notably after talking to the press Kenshiro took part in a 2 round spar with teenage prospect Ginjiro Shigeoka (3-0, 2) [重岡銀次朗], who battles Clyde Azarcon (15-2-1, 5) on July 27th for the WBO Asia Pacific Minimumweight title. The first round of that spar was competitive, though in round 2 Kenshiro did turn on the jets a bit and showed why he is a world champion. The sparring did however see both men taking positives, and it's clear that Shigeoka is soaking up what he can from Kenshiro ahead of his big bout at the end of the month.
(Image courtesy of boxmob.jp)