Round 12: Mexico Vs Japan- A Historic Rivalry
By Mauricio Sulaimán / WBC President / Son of José Sulaimán
In the history of boxing, there are rivalries that as soon as fights are announced, instant classics are expected to happen. For fighters from Mexico, facing opponents from Puerto Rico is already a tradition and a guarantee of excellent fights. However, if there is one specific country whose rivals Mexicans can never forget, it is the Japanese.
Mexico versus Japan is not just a sporting event when two warriors meet in the ring; it is a clash of cultures, pride, and brave hearts that give their all at every moment – hearts that beat with the same intensity when standing face-to-face.
A new chapter will be written this coming April 11 at the National Sumo arena, RyogoKo Kokugikan in Tokyo, featuring a card with four bouts between boxers from both nations. Solid and experienced Mexicans, three of them former world champions, will face the rising stars of Japan in a card that promises to be spectacular, full of grit and determination.
Mr. Akihiko Honda, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Teiken promotions, is considered the most honorable man in boxing and has led the boxing activity in Japan and all Asia, in fact, a hall of fame promoter who has the respect and admiration of every single person in the boxing world.
The event will be headlined by the great Mexican champion, Juan Francisco “Gallo” Estrada, the pride of Puerto Peñasco and former WBC Super Flyweight champion and the WBC number 1 ranked contender. His opponent will be the talented and explosive Tenshin Nasukawa, ranked number 2, in a final eliminator bout to determine the mandatory challenger for the WBC Bantamweight title. The winner will become the official challenger for Takuma Inoue, who faces a tough test against Kazuto Ioka on May 2. The second mandatory of the division is Andrew Cain, as Inoue won a vacant title.
Another former WBC world champion and great representative of the Aztec empire is Pedro Guevara. The famous “Pedrín,” who boasts 50 professional fights, will face Tomoya Tsuboi, who, at 30 years old, is making only his fourth professional appearance as he seeks to position himself as one of the next big super stars in Japanese boxing.
Also featured is Kyosuke Takami, who was once WBA light flyweight champion, now aims to restart his journey toward another world opportunity against Ángel “Camaleón” Ayala, another Mexican who has already held the IBF world title. The fourth Mexico vs. Japan clash in Tokyo will feature José Miguel Calderón against the undefeated Katsuma Akitsugi, Japanese born, living in the USA promoted by ProBox.
Without a doubt, this event will be filled with emotion and will evoke memories of the epic battles between legendary Mexican and Japanese fighters throughout history. We have witnessed great bouts between warriors from these two nations who built a rivalry based on respect, discipline, and courage.
Who could forget when Ultiminio Ramos, the Cuban-Mexican, retained his crown in Tokyo against Mitsunori Seki in one of the first wars between the two countries in 1964? Or when Rubén “Púas” Olivares knocked out Kazuyoshi Kanazawa in the 14th round?
Ricardo “Finito” López traveled to Japan to become the WBC Straw-weight champion by defeating Hideyuki Ohashi in October 1990, beginning a legendary history as a monarch of our organization. Another Mexican who achieved great victories in Japan was Daniel Zaragoza, who, in his final stage as WBC Super Bantamweight champion, defended his title twice against Joichiro Tatsuyoshi and once more against Tsuyoshi Harada.
Other legendary wars were headlined by Jhonny González and Toshiaki Nishioka, which took place in Monterrey, Mexico. WBC champion Nishioka was down in round one and then knocked out Gonzalez in the third. Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel dethroned Hozumi Hasegawa in Japan. Naoki Matsuda knocked out Rudy Lopez in Cancun. Takashi Miura also won a battle in Cancun, and then Francisco “Bandido” Vargas defeated Takashi Miura in the fight of the year in Las Vegas.
In more recent times, the “Monster” Naoya Inoue won his first world title knocking out Adrian Hernandez back in 2014 to win the WBC light flyweight crown, and has continued to prove why he is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters today by defeating Mexicans like Luis “Pantera” Nery – who managed to drop the Japanese star – and David Picasso.
Personally, I feel very proud to see how boxing continues to unite cultures through healthy competition. These events remind us why we love this sport: for its ability to thrill, inspire, and create heroes who transcend time. There is never bad talk, pushing and shoving, nothing like that, all sportsmanship and respect until that bell rings.
I am certain this card will be etched into the memories of the fans, because when Mexico and Japan meet in the ring, the result is always greatness.
Did you know…
The history of fights between Mexican and Japanese boxers has been intense, vast, and long-standing. Since the creation of the WBC, fighters from these nations have faced off in 122 world title bouts for our organization. Mexico has won 62, Japan has won 57, with two draws and one “No Decision.”
Today’s Anecdote…
Speaking of those epic battles between Japan and Mexico takes me back to the 90s, when Don Arturo “Cuyo” Hernández was facing a difficult health crisis. He spoke with Don José to entrust him with the fighter he considered his hope for crowning one last champion in his lifetime. His grave condition prevented him from traveling to Japan, but nearly a month before passing away, he was still able to celebrate the title won by Ricardo “Finito” López on that October 25, 1990. Don Arturo passed on November 20 of that same year, but my father felt very proud that “Finito” finished his career undefeated with 51 wins and one draw, and that he was able to give Don Arturo the final news of a champion – crowning a boxer of great craftsmanship and refined technique.
I welcome your comments at contact@wbcboxing.com.
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