Ayala vs Yabuki flyweight title fight in negotiations

IBF light flyweight champion Masamichi Yabuki is reportedly looking to move up and challenge flyweight titlist Angel Ayala

An update on a story from earlier this month: light flyweight champions Masamichi Yabuki (IBF) and Erick Rosa (WBA) have broken off negotiations for a proposed unification. Jake Donovan reports that it came down to timing, with Yabuki pushing for a March date on one of Kameda Promotions’ already announced shows and Rosa preferring April.

Per Salvador Rodriguez, Yabuki is instead pursuing flyweight champion Angel Ayala in a bid to become a two-division champion.

As Rodriguez points out, the two sides will have to clear things with the IBF, as Felix Alvarado earned a mandatory shot at Ayala (18-0, 8 KO) by beating Tobias Reyes last month. However this plays out, I’m hoping Alvarado remains in line, as he’s got history with Ayala after suffering a controversial decision loss in 2023.

Plus, Alvarado vs Yabuki (17-4, 16 KO) just screams Fight of the Year.

Much as I’d have liked to see the unification and Ayala’s rematch, there’s not much to complain about here. A very talented 24-year-old going up against an all-action finisher thriving in what should by all accounts be the tail end of his career. Let’s hope they can get it done for March.