In a gripping flyweight title unification bout, Masamichi Teraji delivered a stunning performance on March 13, 2025, at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, defeating WBA flyweight champion Yuuri Akai via a 12th-round TKO. This victory not only earned Teraji the WBA black belt in addition to his WBC green belt but also solidified his status as one of the premier fighters in boxing today.
Teraji, known for his unyielding style and technical savvy in the ring, faced a challenging opponent in Akai. The match lived up to its promise, with two of the judges favoring Akai by a narrow 1-point margin going into the final round. However, Teraji's resolve shone through as he executed a remarkable comeback, ultimately securing a decisive victory.
With this victory, Teraji's professional record stands at an impressive 25 wins, with 16 of those victories coming by knockout, and just one loss. Since redeeming himself by defeating Masamichi Yabuki with a third-round KO in March 2022, Teraji has gone on to win seven consecutive fights, showcasing his dominance in the ring.
The roots of Teraji’s boxing prowess can be traced back to his early days in the sport. Before turning professional, he amassed an amateur record of 74 wins, including 20 KOs, and only 16 losses. The son of former Japanese middleweight and Oriental Pacific light heavyweight champion, Teraji honed his craft under the guidance of his father, who manages the B.M.B Gym from which he turned pro.
Teraji first gained widespread recognition in 2017 when he captured the WBC light flyweight title. Notably, he successfully defended it eight times, one of the most successful reigns in recent Japanese boxing history. This track record places him among the likes of legendary fighters such as Gushiken Yoko and Uchiyama Takashi, yet despite his achievements, Teraji often found himself overshadowed by more prominent names in boxing.
He faced difficulties in elevating his popularity despite his successes, often fighting on undercards of bigger bouts featuring celebrated fighters like Naoya Inoue, which limited his exposure on mainstream television. As a result, many of his fights were only available as highlight reels, failing to capture the full drama of his bouts.
However, a turning point came for Teraji during his ninth title defense when he experienced a stunning 10th-round TKO loss to Yabuki. That defeat marked a pivotal moment in Teraji's career, prompting a reassessment of his approach to boxing. His journey included a brief scandal in November 2020, which may have also contributed to his reflections and resolve to improve.
In the aftermath of his prior struggles, Teraji's form transformed profoundly. He avenged his loss to Yabuki and continued to build momentum, claiming victory against Kyoguchi Hiroto by 7th-round TKO in a light flyweight unification match in November 2022. This bout reminded fans and critics alike of why Teraji once held the spotlight; he was back and better than ever.
In April 2023, he faced WBO flyweight champion Anthony Olascuaga, and once again, Teraji's resilience and knockout power made headlines when he won by TKO in the ninth round after a fierce slugfest. Unlike his earlier, more cautious style of boxing, Teraji had evolved into a fighter who stood and traded blows, increasing both his excitement and effectiveness in the ring.
In a world where the boxing landscape is shifting towards streaming platforms, Teraji's latest fight was broadcast live on U-NEXT, showcasing his star power as the main event in a triple title fight. This visibility has helped elevate his popularity significantly and transformed public perception of his fighting capabilities.
Looking ahead, Teraji has set his sights on moving up to the super flyweight division, pursuing the opportunity to become a champion in three weight classes. This ambition puts him in the company of only a few exceptional Japanese boxers, including the likes of Kameda Koki, Ioka Kazuto, and Tanaka Tenkai, who have all achieved this remarkable feat.
Upcoming in May, Kazuto Ioka, another notable figure in Japanese boxing, is set to challenge for the IBF super flyweight title, and many speculate Teraji's move to this division will happen sooner rather than later. As Teraji continues to embark on his boxing journey, he embodies the spirit of a true warrior, showing there are many more rounds left in his career and many more titles to aspire to.
When asked about his recent victory, Teraji remarked, "This victory was a testament to my hard work and determination." His unwavering commitment and the thrilling performances he continues to deliver promise that the legacy of the "Fierce Fighter" (激闘王) name will carry on for years to come.
