In an epic battle that could easily vie for the Fight of the Year, Kenshiro Teraji (23-1, 14 KOs) was defending his lineal, WBC, and WBA junior flyweight championships against a determined Carlos Canizales (26-2-1, 19 KOs) at EDION Arena in Osaka, Japan.
The fight, aired on Amazon Prime-Japan/ESPN+, saw Teraji pushed to his limits, ultimately emerging victorious via a majority decision with scores of 114-112 by judges Jun Bae Lim and Omar Mintun, despite judge Jeremy Hayes scoring it a draw at 113-113.
The fight commenced with Canizales setting an aggressive pace, but Teraji’s precision saw him scoring the first knockdown in the second round. However, Canizales bounced back with a vengeance, managing a knockdown of his own in the third round, setting the stage for a back-and-forth battle.
The middle rounds showcased both fighters’ resilience and determination, with Teraji regaining a slight upper hand. Yet, Canizales refused to relent, displaying a significant rally in the latter rounds, especially with a charged performance in the tenth round that hinted at a possible upset.
Despite Canizales’ late surges and a nose injury, Teraji opted for a strategic approach in the final rounds, focusing on movement and his jab to maintain his lead. This tactical decision, while surprising, underscored Teraji’s experience and ring savvy, enabling him to edge out a win in a fiercely competitive bout.
Watch the official fight highlights: Watch
Image Credit: DAZN