Hiroto Kyoguchi

Early Life and Amateur Career

 

Hiroto Kyoguchi, born on November 27, 1993, in Izumi, Osaka, Japan, displayed an early interest in boxing, influenced by Japan’s rich boxing culture. Growing up, Kyoguchi was inspired by local boxing legends and started training at a young age. His commitment to the sport was evident, and he began competing in local tournaments, quickly making a name for himself. Kyoguchi’s amateur career was marked by significant achievements and rapid progression through the ranks. One of his earliest notable successes came in 2014 when he won the All Japan Amateur Boxing Championships in the light flyweight division. This victory earned him national recognition and set the stage for his future in boxing.

 

In 2015, Kyoguchi represented Japan at the Asian Amateur Boxing Championships held in Bangkok, Thailand. Competing in the light flyweight division, he showcased his technical prowess and determination, securing a bronze medal. This achievement highlighted his potential on the international stage and provided valuable experience against top-tier opponents from across Asia. Another pivotal moment in Kyoguchi’s amateur career came in 2016 when he participated in the prestigious AIBA World Boxing Championships in Doha, Qatar. Although he did not medal, his performance against some of the world’s best amateur boxers demonstrated his skill and resilience, further solidifying his reputation as one of Japan’s top amateur prospects.

 

Professional Career

 

Hiroto Kyoguchi, from Osaka, Japan, made an impactful entrance into professional boxing with a debut victory on April 17, 2016, defeating Narathip Sungsut by a second-round knockout at the Edion Arena. His early career was marked by a series of quick knockouts, demonstrating his power and skill. By May 2016, he had already secured another impressive win, defeating Taweechai Yuyuet in the first round in Bangkok, Thailand. Kyoguchi’s rapid ascent continued with a string of victories, culminating in his first major title on February 28, 2017, when he won the vacant OPBF mini-flyweight title by knocking out Armando de la Cruz in the third round at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo. This victory set the stage for his future success and dominance in the light-flyweight division.

 

On July 23, 2017, Kyoguchi captured the IBF mini-flyweight title by defeating Jose Argumedo via unanimous decision at the Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo. He successfully defended this title against notable opponents, including Carlos Buitrago, whom he defeated by TKO in the eighth round on December 31, 2017, and Vince Paras, whom he defeated by unanimous decision on May 20, 2018. Kyoguchi’s most significant achievement came on December 31, 2018, when he moved up to the light-flyweight division and won the WBA (Super) and The Ring light-flyweight titles by defeating Hekkie Budler via TKO in the tenth round at Wynn Palace in Macau. This victory solidified his status as a world champion in a new weight class.

 

He continued to defend his titles successfully, including notable wins against Satanmuanglek CP Freshmart on June 19, 2019, and Tetsuya Hisada on October 1, 2019. On March 13, 2021, Kyoguchi retained his titles by defeating Axel Aragon Vega with a fifth-round TKO at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. However, Kyoguchi faced a setback on November 1, 2022, when he lost his WBA (Super) and The Ring light-flyweight titles to Kenshiro Teraji by TKO in the seventh round at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. Despite this loss, he continued to compete at a high level, securing victories over Roland Jay Biendima and Jerven Mama in 2023.

 

Most recently, on May 11, 2024, Kyoguchi faced Vince Paras again, this time in Incheon, South Korea, but lost by unanimous decision. Throughout his professional career, Hiroto Kyoguchi has demonstrated exceptional skill, resilience, and the heart of a champion. From his early knockouts to capturing and defending world titles, his journey in professional boxing is marked by his relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to compete against the best in the sport.