Kenshiro the smaller man ahead of title defense against Yabuki
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Later this week we'll see WBC Light Flyweight champion Kenshiro Teraji (17-0, 10) [寺地 拳四朗]defending his title against fellow Japanese fighter Masamichi Yabuki (12-3, 11) [佐藤政道]. Today, ahead of that bout, the two men took part in some pre-fight formalities in Kyoto, in what was the first meeting between the two men in 11 weeks.
Part of the formalities today were PCR tests, or rather Yabuki under-going a PRC test, which gave a negative result. Kenshiro didn't need to take one, according to JBC rules, as he has had a negative test recently, following a bout with Covid in August.
Another of the formalities was a press conference featuring the two men. At the press conference Kenshiro apologised for the postponement of the bout, which was caused when he had Covid in August forcing the bout to be delayed by 12 days. He explained that despite his illness his condition was good and that he would win this bout. Since his public work out, a week ago, he has been staying in shape with shadow boxing and mitt work, and sparred a single session since then.
In regards to Yabuki, the champion explained that he has to be wary of Yabuki's power, and he has been warned that the challenger holds heavy hands.
As for Yabuki he explained that he is confident of winning this bout, and explained that things were different to his last fight, as he needs to isolate longer than he has for other bouts in the pandemic era, with other bouts in Japan resulting in isolation following the weigh whilst world title fights are an extra day longer.
Another formality was the choosing of gloves. Both men will be wearing Winning, with Kenshiro using black and Yabuki in blue.
One of the more notable formalities was the official medical. These showed Kenshiro to be the naturally smaller man, giving away reach, height and thickness to Yabuki, though it should be noted that Yabuki did start his career as a Flyweight whilst Kenshiro has only fought as a Light Flyweight during his career, so the champion being the smaller man isn't really much of a surprise.
Related - Kenshiro takes on Yabuki in defense #9! (Fight preview)
Part of the formalities today were PCR tests, or rather Yabuki under-going a PRC test, which gave a negative result. Kenshiro didn't need to take one, according to JBC rules, as he has had a negative test recently, following a bout with Covid in August.
Another of the formalities was a press conference featuring the two men. At the press conference Kenshiro apologised for the postponement of the bout, which was caused when he had Covid in August forcing the bout to be delayed by 12 days. He explained that despite his illness his condition was good and that he would win this bout. Since his public work out, a week ago, he has been staying in shape with shadow boxing and mitt work, and sparred a single session since then.
In regards to Yabuki, the champion explained that he has to be wary of Yabuki's power, and he has been warned that the challenger holds heavy hands.
As for Yabuki he explained that he is confident of winning this bout, and explained that things were different to his last fight, as he needs to isolate longer than he has for other bouts in the pandemic era, with other bouts in Japan resulting in isolation following the weigh whilst world title fights are an extra day longer.
Another formality was the choosing of gloves. Both men will be wearing Winning, with Kenshiro using black and Yabuki in blue.
One of the more notable formalities was the official medical. These showed Kenshiro to be the naturally smaller man, giving away reach, height and thickness to Yabuki, though it should be noted that Yabuki did start his career as a Flyweight whilst Kenshiro has only fought as a Light Flyweight during his career, so the champion being the smaller man isn't really much of a surprise.
Related - Kenshiro takes on Yabuki in defense #9! (Fight preview)
| Champion | Challenger | |
| Kenshiro Teraji | Masamichi Yabuki | |
| Record | 18-0 (10) | 12-3 (11) |
| Career Rounds | 124 | 48 |
| Age | 29 | 29 |
| Height | 164.1cm | 166.4cm |
| Reach | 162.5cm | 166cm |
| Neck | 34.5cm | 34.9cm |
| Chest | 85.5cm | 89.8cm |
| Blood Pressure | 146.88 | 93/56 |
| Pulse | 67bpm | 43bpm |
| Body Temperature | 36.3℃ | 37.2℃ |
| Record in world title bouts | 9-0 (5) | 0-0 |