Rikki Naito to fight for Australian title

Earlier today it was reported by the Japanese press that Rikki Naito (25-3, 10) [内藤律樹] would be getting the chance to capture his next title in November, as he takes on Australian fighter John Mannu (13-1-1, 8) for the Australian title at 140lbs.

The 33 year old Naito is a former Japanese Super Featherweight champion, having won the title in 2014 when he beat Hiroyasu Matsuzaki, who made 3 defenses of the belt, including one over future world champion Masayuki Ito, before losing it in 2015, to another future world champion Kenichi Ogawa. He later moved up in weight and captured the OPBF title at 140lbs in 2018, making 4 defenses before being dethroned in 2021. He has been living in Australia for the past 2 years and has gone 2-0 (2) whilst fighting down under, and will be looking to extend that unbeaten record here. 

As for Mannu the 27 year old is taking a huge step up in class from most of his bouts. His most noteworthy bout to date is a 2nd round TKO loss in 2023 to American hopeful Kurt Scoby, whilst his most notable win is a victory over Pungluang Sor Singyu, also in 2023. He comes into this bout having won 6 in a row and does appear to have a fan friendly style, but he has been matched rather softly, Scoby aside, so far.

The bout, set for November 8th, and will be held at Rumours International, in Toowoomba in Queensland, where Naito scored his latest win.