Unified Japanese junior flyweight champion Kenshiro Teraji has officially declared that he is moving up to the flyweight division, which will result in his WBA and WBC titles being vacated. While promotions or title fights for his vacated titles are bound to follow, Teraji could also find himself fighting for a flyweight title in his next bout following the relinquishment of the WBC title, previously held by Julio Cesar Martinez. Additionally, the WBO and IBF flyweight titles continue to remain vacant and potentially available for Teraji to scoop up in his move up.
The WBC broke the news surrounding Kenshiro Teraji’s (23-1, 14 KO’s) move up to the flyweight (112 lbs) division in their official press release that was released yesterday, July 15th.
Kenshiro Teraji made a total of 8 world title defenses during his reign as a world champion in the junior flyweight (108 lbs) division. At flyweight, the Japanese star holds only two fights on his record after competing in the division during his second and third professional fights, which took place roughly over a decade ago.
Teraji’s last fight occurred earlier this year in January against Venezuelan challenger Carlos Canizales (26-2-1, 19 KO’s); a match that notably displayed the vulnerabilities of both fighters as they were knocked down several times. Teraji eventually won the close-sided match through a majority decision (MD).
Awaiting Teraji at 112 lbs will likely be a fight over the vacant WBC flyweight title which was recently vacated by its previous holder, Mexican fighter Julio Cesar Martinez (20-3, 15 KO’s). In the event that he vies for the vacant WBC title, #1 WBC flyweight contender Cristofer Rosales (37-6, 22 KO’s) from Nicaragua would be the likely opponent Teraji would be matched with.
Additionally, the recent decision by WBO and IBF American flyweight champion Jesse Rodriguez (20-0, 13 KO’s) to move up to super flyweight (115 lbs) and fight for the WBC 115 lbs title has resulted in those belts being vacated, giving Teraji two other opportunities to rise quickly to become a world champion.
The WBA junior flyweight title, which is currently the only world title still held by Teraji, is also expected to be relinquished in due course.
