Masamichi Yabuki vs Kenshiro Teraji Preview March 19th, 2022
Kenshiro Teraji will be trying to reclaim the WBC Light Flyweight Title this Saturday, March 19th in Kyoto, Japan in a rematch against fellow countryman Masamichi Yabuki. Teraji was stopped at the end of the 10th round when the two first met last September. However, the WBC ordered a rematch after it was ruled Teraji was badly cut by a headbutt in the ninth round. Teraji had successfully defended the belt eight times times since winning it in 2017 with five of those coming by knockout.
Yabuki vs Teraji Betting Odds
Here are the betting odds from online sportsbook BetOnline.ag (full review here).
- Masamichi Yabuki +140
- Kenshiro Teraji -170
My Pick
The 30-year-old Teraji originally won his title from Ganigan Lopez via majority decision in May, 2017 in his 10th pro fight. He then defended it by majority decision over Pedro Guevara, a fourth-round stoppage of Gilberto Pedroza and then a first-round KO over Lopez in their rematch. He followed that up with a seventh-round stoppage over Milan Melindo before beating Saul Juarez by unanimous decision and then stopping Jonathan Taconing Petalcorin both in four. He then downed Tetsuya Hisada via a unanimous decision.
The baby-faced Teraji is nicknamed ‘Amazing Boy’ and turned pro back in 2014. He’s compiled an impressive record so far at 18-1 with 10 Kos. He’s not really known as a big puncher with a current knockout ratio of 52.6 per cent but his power definitely can’t be underestimated especially when combined with his speed. He stands just over 5-feet-4-inches tall with a reach of 64 inches.
Teraji has boxed a total of 134 pro rounds and has been involved in a few close decisions in his career. He’s displayed a solid chin so far as well as good boxing skills. Eighteen of his 19 opponents have had winning records so he basically jumped in feet first as a pro. Teraji is also a fine counter-puncher with a good defence and is extremely quick.
Yabuki is a solid 29-year-old pro with a record of 13-3 with 12 Kos. With one of his defeats coming by way of stoppage. He’s just over 5-feet-5-inches in height with a 65.5-inch reach which gives him a height advantage of one inch and a 1.5-inch edge in reach on Teraji. He’s boxed just 58 rounds since making his pro debut in 2016 and has quite a bit of power in his hands with a current knockout ratio of 75 per cent.
Yabuki’s first defeat came at the hands of Junto Nakatani by four-round unanimous decision in 2016 then he was stopped two years later by Seigo Yuri Akui in just 92 seconds. His last loss also came in 2018 when he was edged via an eight-round split decision by Daniel Matellon. Since turning pro, Yabuki has also claimed the vacant Japanese Light Flyweight Title and had defended it once.
Prediction…
Teraji is a fine boxer with a fan-friendly style who’s 9-1 in world title fights with 5 Kos. Meanwhile, Yabuki surprised and bewildered him in their first fight and was up on all three scorecards when it was stopped. This should be another great battle between two Japanese boxers who never give anything but 100 per cent. It’s a bit of a make-or-break contest for Teraji as he attempts to regain the title and although he had a hard time of it against Yabuki last year I think he’ll be able to make the necessary adjustments to be successful.
Teraji’s speed and boxing skills should be the difference.
Play: Teraji -170 @ BetOnline.ag
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Kenshiro Teraji betting • Masamichi Yabuki betting