In a thrilling display of talent and support, Shoya Yamaguchi, a former J-Leaguer turned boxer, made a triumphant return to the ring on April 22, 2025, at the Tokyo Korakuen Hall. In the East Japan Rookie King lightweight qualifying round, Yamaguchi, 31, secured a stunning victory over Sogaro Kurihara, 34, winning by first-round TKO in just 3 minutes and 4 seconds. The atmosphere was electric, fueled not only by Yamaguchi's performance but also by the presence of his childhood friend, Naoya Inoue, the reigning world super bantamweight champion, who was there to cheer him on.
Yamaguchi, who had previously played for SC Sagamihara in the J-League, demonstrated his boxing prowess with a powerful right straight that sent Kurihara to the canvas, prompting the referee to issue a ten-count. Reflecting on his performance, Yamaguchi stated, "I felt confident that my right would land. I wasn't sure about the impact, but I was calm and focused throughout the fight." This marked a significant comeback for Yamaguchi, who had not fought since his defeat in the second round of the rookie tournament last July.
Naoya Inoue, who is preparing for a title defense against WBA's number one ranked Jason Moloney on May 4 (May 5 Japan time) in Las Vegas, expressed his pride in Yamaguchi's victory. After the fight, Inoue congratulated him, saying, "You're in good shape. Don't get too carried away; remember to keep practicing!" This camaraderie between the two athletes was palpable as they exchanged a fist bump, with Yamaguchi beaming with gratitude for Inoue's support.
The victory was particularly significant for Yamaguchi, as it alleviated the pressure he felt knowing that Inoue and his brother Takuma were in attendance. "I felt I had to win since the Inoue brothers came to support me," Yamaguchi remarked. "Now I can head to Las Vegas without any worries to cheer for Naoya." His upcoming trip to Las Vegas will see him return to the sidelines, this time supporting his friend in a high-stakes title match.
This matchup not only highlighted Yamaguchi's potential in the boxing world but also underscored the strong bonds of friendship and support that exist among athletes. As Yamaguchi prepares for his next steps, the boxing community will be eager to see how he develops following this impressive victory.
Inoue's upcoming fight is highly anticipated, as he aims to defend his title against a formidable opponent in Moloney. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on for Inoue, who has been a dominant force in the ring. As he trains for this crucial match, his supporters, including Yamaguchi, will be right behind him, cheering him on from the sidelines.
In summary, the boxing event at Tokyo Korakuen Hall was not just a showcase of skill but a testament to the power of friendship and mutual support in sports. Yamaguchi's victory sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting few weeks in the boxing world, with both fighters gearing up for their respective challenges in Las Vegas.
