Kenshiro Teraji

It Runs in the Family

 

Kenshiro Teraji, born into a family steeped in boxing tradition, inherited a legacy of determination and skill from his father, Hisashi Teraji. Growing up in the shadow of his father’s illustrious career, Kenshiro was immersed in the world of boxing from an early age. His father’s accomplishments, including winning the OPBF light heavyweight and Japanese national middleweight titles, served as both inspiration and aspiration for young Kenshiro.

 

As Kenshiro witnessed his father’s dedication to the sport and the sacrifices required to succeed in the ring, he developed a deep admiration for the sweet science. Hisashi’s resilience, despite facing setbacks like his sole professional loss against future world champion Shinji Takehara, instilled in Kenshiro a profound respect for the sport and a desire to follow in his father’s footsteps.

 

Under Hisashi’s guidance, Kenshiro began his journey into the world of boxing, learning the fundamentals of the sport from a seasoned veteran. With each training session and sparring match, Kenshiro honed his skills, guided by his father’s wisdom and experience. His passion for boxing grew stronger with each passing day, fueled by the dream of emulating his father’s success and leaving his own mark on the sport.

 

Kenshiro’s amateur career became a testament to his talent and dedication. Between 2007 and 2014, he amassed an impressive record of 58 wins and 16 losses, competing in various regional and national tournaments. His ability to adapt to different opponents and styles, combined with his innate athleticism and unwavering determination, distinguished him as a rising star in the amateur ranks.

 

Throughout his amateur journey, Kenshiro encountered adversity and challenges, but he faced them with the same grit and determination that defined his father’s career. Each victory served as validation of his talent and dedication, propelling him closer to his ultimate goal of becoming a professional boxer.

 

Professional Achievements

 

Teraji’s professional career took flight in 2017 when he captured the World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight title. His ascent to the top of the division was marked by a string of impressive victories against top-ranked opponents. Notable among these triumphs was his showdown against Ganigan Lopez on May 20, 2017, where he displayed his skill and determination en route to claiming the coveted WBC title.

 

As Teraji’s reign as WBC champion continued, he faced a series of formidable challengers eager to dethrone him. However, with unwavering resolve and unparalleled skill, he successfully defended his title, further solidifying his status as one of the premier fighters in the light flyweight division.

 

In 2021, Teraji faced a pivotal moment in his career when he unified the light flyweight division by adding the World Boxing Association (WBA) title to his collection. His victory against tough opponent Masamichi Yabuki on September 10, 2021, marked a significant milestone in his career, as he emerged as the undisputed champion of the division.

 

Teraji’s quest for boxing supremacy did not end there. In 2022, he continued to etch his name in the annals of boxing history by capturing the unified WBA (Super version), WBC, and The Ring light flyweight titles. His dominant performances against top-tier competition solidified his status as the undisputed king of the light flyweight division, earning him recognition as the world’s best active light flyweight by The Ring, the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, ESPN, and BoxRec as of November 2022. Since this time, he has continued to perform at a high level, defending his title from the likes of Anthony Olascuaga, Hekkie Budler, and Carlos Cañizales.

 

Teraji’s achievements serve as a testament to his skill, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As he continues to reign supreme in the light flyweight division, his legacy in the sport of boxing is destined to endure for generations to come.