On March 13, 2025, Tomoya Tsuboi, the 28-year-old gold medalist from the 2021 World Amateur Boxing Championships, made a thunderous entry as he stepped onto the canvas at the iconic Ryogoku Kokugikan for his professional boxing debut. Facing off against WBO Asia-Pacific Bantamweight No. 2, Bounlert Lerm from Thailand, Tsuboi dominated the fight, scoring two knockdowns and achieving victory by technical knockout (TKO) just 2 minutes and 34 seconds into the second round.
This bout was part of the undercard at the major boxing event dubbed "U-NEXT BOXING.2," and Tsuboi's outstanding performance was undeniably impressive, showcasing his rapid punches and agile footwork. The match quickly shifted the spotlight onto him as one of Japan’s newest hopes in the professional boxing world. It was evident from the outset how relaxed and composed he was, with smiles signaling his confidence even before the bell rang.
Tsuboi's amateur career was remarkable, highlighted by his status as the first Japanese to win gold at the World Championships. He stepped up to the professional level under the weight of expectations but proved he was more than ready for the challenge. Reflecting on his wish to feel the rhythm of professional rounds, he expressed, "I didn’t feel any tension. I wanted to see what I could do through the eight rounds, but I think if I couldn’t finish, I wouldn’t be considered a pro." This indicates both his ambitions and the competitive mindset he holds as he transitions to this new chapter.
The match got underway with Tsuboi quickly establishing control. The first round saw him unleashing precise flurries of punches, constantly applying pressure on Lerm. By the second round, he was able to land effective hits, the first knockdown coming after he caught his opponent with a powerful left hook to the body followed by another left swing. The crowd erupted with excitement, signaling the dominance Tsuboi displayed. Just as the bout's tide seemed to change, the atmosphere was filled with disbelief. A heckler shouted, "This is boring!" only to be swiftly silenced when Tsuboi responded with immediate action, effectively showing what he was capable of.
After the first knockdown, Lerm managed to rise but found himself cornered as Tsuboi unleashed a rapid-fire series of punches, driving him to the canvas again, prompting the referee to stop the fight. Lerm, reflecting on the match afterwards, acknowledged, "He was very fast, but I didn’t think he was such a hard puncher. The punch for the second down was the strongest," which hints at not just Tsuboi's speed, but also his effective power combinations.
This impressive victory marks Tsuboi as the first Japanese boxer to debut with the prestigious A-class license intended for bouts of eight rounds or more. His achievement of gaining this license following his gold medal win is significant, as it sets him apart from many of his peers. Tsuboi commented on his performance, saying, "I won’t change my style just because I’m now pro. I think if I keep connecting solid punches, they will eventually break down the opponent's body function." This indicates his intention to maintain the style and strategy he honed and perfected throughout his amateur career.
Born on March 25, 1996, in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tsuboi's history showcases how he started boxing at the age of 11, displaying dedication and talent early on. He carved out his legacy by attending Nihon University after Hamamatsu Technical High School, where he claimed victory multiple times at the All Japan Championships. Despite facing disappointments like missing out on the Tokyo Olympics due to poor health and retiring from amateur boxing last June, he has made his return resounding through his electrifying professional debut.
Tsuboi plans to aim for the world title rapidly. "I would like to target the world title as soon as possible, but I’ll work diligently and proceed step by step," he mentioned, maintaining focus on securing his ambitions methodically as he navigates the professional ranks. His next milestone could see him targeting records held by previous legends, including the fastest title acquisition following just five professional fights.
The overwhelming support from fans and anticipation surrounding Tsuboi's career highlights the emergence of another boxing star from Japan, following the tradition of excellence represented by other champions. Concluding the match, he expressed joy not only at securing victory but at performing on such a grand stage. Yorke’s comments lingered as Tsuboi, buoyed by success, looked out at the cheering crowd. "I wanted to step onto the ring where the Olympic games were held at least once," he celebrated, relishing the moment of finally making his debut.
With such enthusiasm and skill, Tsuboi has not only claimed his place as one of the most promising prospects but has also triggered excitement within the boxing community, with many hoping to see the day he becomes Japan’s next world champion. The momentum is palpable as the boxing world watches Tsuboi take steps toward achieving greatness, embodying the spirit and resilience of his city and country. The future certainly looks bright for Tomoya Tsuboi as he strives to become not only the first champion from Shizuoka but also to establish himself as a role model both inside and outside the ring.