Nontshinga to defend IBF title against Yabuki in October!

Back in June the IBF ordered a mandatory title defense for their Light Flyweight champion Sivenathi Nontshinga (13-1, 10) and the highest ranked contender, Japan’s Masamichi Yabuki (16-4, 15) [佐藤政道]. Today we saw the resolution of that order as Yabuki, held a press conference at the Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka, to announce the fight.

The bout, which will see Yabuki look to become a 2-time world champion, will take place on October 12th at the Aichi Sky Expo, Tokoname in Aichi, on "3150 x LUSHBOMU vol.2".

Yabuki, who is best known for his for his March 2022 upset win over Kenshiro Teraji [寺地 拳四朗] to claim the WBC Light Flyweight title, spoke highly of Nontshinga. He explained "He has good defense and is good at counter-attacks. He has speed and can fight in close combat and outbox. He doesn't seem to have any weaknesses." And added "I think we'll be a good match. So far, my win rate is 50/50. I'll try to increase my win rate before the match."

Yabuki’s promoter spoke highly of his charge, especially his development "He's grown up in terms of boxing, and become even stronger." and his power "Yabuki is the first KO man of the Reiwa era. Yabuki is the only one to win by KO at the first event of the Reiwa era (May 1, 2019, Korakuen Hall). 15 KOs out of 16 wins in the light flyweight class is an unbelievable number. I think we'll see more KO wins in the future."

Nontshinga didn’t appear at the press conference in person, but did send a video message, stating "Fighting in Japan is a great opportunity for me. I will show off my technique and talent. Yabuki is a good fighter with experience, but I have many of the elements necessary to beat him. I also have a great team behind me. I am confident that I can beat Yabuki. My ultimate goal is to become a unified four-organization champion. Yabuki! Get ready well. I'm going to beat you. I can't wait to fight in Japan." 

After hearing the message from the champion Yabuki stated  "We'll both be aiming for a KO, so it'll be a decider. He's a good fighter, so I'll respect him and go for the win. I always fight knowing that it's the end. Getting results in the ring is everything. I'll do my best and have no regrets."

Whilst the bout will give Yabuki a chance to become a 2-time champion, for the reigning champion the bout serves as his first defense of his second reign, having re-won the title when he avenged his loss to Adrien Curiel in February.

For fans this has the potential to be an instant classic and yet another fire cracker in the frequently over-looked Light Flyweight division.