Shokichi Iwata

Professional Career

 

Shokichi Iwata has established himself as a formidable presence in the light-flyweight division with a professional career marked by skill, power, and resilience. Iwata made a stunning debut on December 8, 2018, at the StubHub Center in Carson, U.S., where he knocked out Joel Bermudez in the fourth round. This victory set the tone for his career, demonstrating his knockout power early on. Following his debut, Iwata continued to showcase his talent in Japan. He secured a unanimous decision victory over Daiki Kameyama on May 4, 2019, at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, followed by a fifth-round TKO win against Paolo Sy on July 12, 2019, at the EDION Arena in Osaka. His momentum carried into 2020, where he defeated Ryo Narizuka via a seventh-round TKO on October 2 at Korakuen Hall, further establishing his reputation as a rising star in the light-flyweight division.

 

One of Iwata’s significant milestones came on November 6, 2021, when he won the vacant Japanese light-flyweight title by defeating Rikito Shiba with a ninth-round TKO. He successfully defended this title against Toshimasa Ouchi with a first-round knockout on March 5, 2022, and later retained the title against Kenichi Horikawa on July 2, 2022, also winning the OPBF and vacant WBO Asia Pacific light-flyweight titles. These victories not only solidified his dominance in Japan but also showcased his ability to compete at a higher level.

 

However, Iwata faced a major challenge on November 1, 2022, when he fought Jonathan González for the WBO light-flyweight title at the Saitama Super Arena. Despite a valiant effort, Iwata lost by unanimous decision, marking the first defeat of his career. Undeterred, he returned to the ring with renewed determination. In 2023, he secured three consecutive knockout victories: against Jerome Baloro on April 1, Jayson Brillo on August 5, and Rene Mark Cuarto on January 20, 2024, all at Korakuen Hall.