Kira Pursues First World Title Against Canizales

Daiya Kira will challenge Carlos Canizales for the WBA flyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light flyweight title on September 2nd in Yokohama, Bad Left Hook reports.

The 23-year-old Kira earned his shot by stopping Ivan Garcia Balderas in a final eliminator last December. He was originally slated to face unified WBA/WBO champion Rene Santiago, but Santiago suffered an elbow injury in camp and has been placed on champion in recess status. That opened the door for Canizales, who steps in on short notice for what Bad Left Hook describes as a "greatly needed break" after a run of tough luck.

Canizales Gets Second Chance After WBC Strip

Canizales enters the bout with a 28-3-1 record and 20 knockouts. The Venezuelan won the WBC belt by stopping Panya Pradabsri in a rematch after dropping a controversial decision in Bangkok, but was stripped when he could not leave Venezuela in time for a planned defense against Knockout CP Freshmart due to political instability. The WBC never gave him a rematch opportunity despite the circumstances being beyond his control.

Kira brings a perfect 4-0 mark with three knockouts into his first world title shot. Bad Left Hook noted that the last time an Asian amateur standout tried to fast-track against Canizales, the Venezuelan effectively ended Lu Bin's career for half a decade. Kira stopped four opponents during his decorated amateur run before turning professional.

The fight takes place in Yokohama with broadcast details yet to be announced.

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — Daiya Kira vs Carlos Canizales title fight set for September 2nd