Tomorrow’s scheduled WBO super-flyweight title defense in Japan by KOSEI Tanaka will not take place. This unfortunate turn of events occurred when Jonathan Rodriguez failed to meet the required weight limit of 115 pounds.
Champion Tanaka, with a record of 20-1 and 11 knockouts, successfully met the weight requirement. However, Rodriguez failed to meet the weight limit, weighing in at 121.5 lbs, and chose not to make any further attempts to reach the desired weight.
The Japanese Boxing Commission (JBC) strongly disapproves of such blatant unprofessional behavior and is unlikely to extend a warm welcome to Mr. Rodriguez in the near future.
At the age of 29, Tanaka emerged victorious in April, securing the title by defeating Christian Bacasegua through a points victory. Notably, his only defeat throughout his career occurred in 2020 against the renowned Japanese icon Kazuto Ioka.
Kazuto Ioka (Naoki Fukuda)
Junto Nakatani, a prominent main eventer, continues to protect his championship title against Vincent Astrolabio. Additionally, the highly skilled fighters Tenshin Nasukawa and Riku Kano will also be showcased in the event.