Yabuki Defends IBF Flyweight Title Against Fajardo

IBF flyweight champion Masamichi Yabuki will defend his title against mandatory challenger Miel Fajardo on November 26th in Tokyo, Bad Left Hook reports.

Yabuki has won six straight fights since Kenshiro Teraji handed him his most recent defeat, with five of those victories coming inside the distance. The 20-4 Japanese fighter stopped IBF light flyweight champion Sivenathi Nontshinga, undefeated flyweight titlist Angel Ayala Lardizabal, and the previously unstopped Felix Alvarado during that run. His lone decision came against Rene Calixto last June, when he dropped the challenger twice before winning comfortably on the cards.

Fajardo Earned Shot With Explosive Knockout

Fajardo enters with a 14-3-2 record that includes 12 knockouts. The challenger secured his mandatory position earlier this year by stopping Tobias Reyes in just 65 seconds, scoring four knockdowns in the opening round. While Yabuki's resume makes him the clear favorite, Fajardo's power gives the matchup potential for fireworks.

The card features a second title fight, with WBA minimumweight champion Takeshi Ishii putting his belt on the line against an opponent to be announced. Yabuki's brother Masanori Rikiishi also competes on the bill against Melchor Roda, while former bantamweight titleholder Yoshiki Takei continues his rebuild against Kenshin Oshima.

Yabuki holds an 18-knockout rate across his 24 professional fights and has finished opponents in five of his last six outings.

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — Masamichi Yabuki vs Miel Fajardo set for November 26th