On March 13, 2025, boxing fans witnessed a thrilling showdown at Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, where WBC champion Kenshiro Teraji claimed victory against WBA champion Yuuri Akui. Teraji secured the win via TKO at 1 minute and 31 seconds of the 12th round, successfully unifying two prestigious light flyweight titles.
After the fight, Teraji expressed his gratitude and determination, stating, "I can’t win alone. Yuuri was very strong and I almost gave up. It’s all thanks to the support of the team. This new belt is very heavy." His respect for Akui was evident, underscoring the intensity of their bout, which became more than just another title fight but a clash between two highly regarded fighters.
The match began with Akui taking the initiative. He started aggressively, landing impactful left jabs and right straights, as noted by the scoring from Nikkan Sports, which scored the first round 10-9 for Akui. Despite this, Teraji remained composed, observing his opponent’s strategy.
By the second round, Teraji began increasing his output, raising the stakes with more frequent punches, but Akui continued to attack relentlessly.
Round three saw Akui maintain his pressure, landing several right-hand blows. A focused Teraji countered with body shots, showing resilience and tactical adaptability. The scoring reflected Akui’s early success, but Teraji remained confident, showing glimpses of his own power.
Round four shifted the momentum as Teraji began to find his rhythm. He landed compact punches, including left body shots and quick one-two combinations, earning him the fourth round with a 10-9 score from Nikkan.
Rounds five and six featured both boxers exchanging blows, with Teraji showcasing his ability to strike back with force after Akui’s attacks. The sixth round was tough, with both fighters displaying their endurance and willpower.
Moving to round seven, Teraji’s skill came to the forefront, as he adeptly landed combinations, reclaiming dominance. The fight saw back-and-forth trading of punches, emphasizing their status as elite contenders.
By the eighth round, the match had turned combative, both fighters were landing significant punches, and neither seemed willing to back down, with Nikkan sports scoring this round for Akui.
Midway through the fight, it seemed both fighters had equal chances. But as they entered the ninth round, Teraji continued seeking control, pushing forward with his jab. Round ten was pivotal; Akui began to exhibit signs of struggle with Teraji’s jabs having caused visible swelling around his right eye.
The eleventh round ended with Akui delivering solid punches, yet Teraji retaliated fiercely, landing short uppercuts and straight rights.
Finally, the twelfth round became decisive. Teraji unleashed an impressive series of punches, cornering Akui and demonstrating his resolve to end the fight decisively. With the referee stepping in due to Akui’s inability to defend himself adequately, Teraji emerged victorious, showcasing his prowess and determination as the unified champion.
This victory marked Teraji’s 16th world title match and solidified his legacy as he successfully defended his WBC title for eight consecutive times previously. His career highlights include previously winning the WBC title and successfully defending it eight times before unifying with the WBA title.
After securing both championships, Kenshiro Teraji hinted at his ambitions for the future, stating, "I want to fight the best." His immediate desire appears to be facing Jesse Rodriguez, the WBC super flyweight champion known as 'Bam,' as he strives for greater achievements within the sport and aims to conquer more divisions.
Teraji, who turns 34 this year, reflected on his transition to this weight class, acknowledging the difficulties faced during the weight cut, primarily from the light flyweight division, asserting, "It was tough, but I handled it, and I want to pursue even greater challenges." His victory stands as both personal achievement and affirmation of his place among Japan’s boxing elite, signaling his intent to chase major titles moving forward.
With this win, Kenshiro Teraji has etched his name not only onto the belts but also within the annals of boxing history, showcasing his skill, heart, and determination on the world stage, ensuring fans will closely follow his future bouts as he aims for even greater heights.