Masamichi Yabuki
{{short description|Japanese boxer}}
{{Infobox boxer
|name=Masamichi Yabuki
{{small|矢吹正道}}
|image=
|image_size=
|caption=
|realname=Masamichi Sato
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1992|07|09|mf=y}}
|birth_place=Suzuka, Mie, Japan
|nationality=
|nickname=
|weight={{plainlist|
|height=5 ft 5+1/2 in
|reach=64+1/2 in
|style=Orthodox
|total=22
|wins=18
|KO=17
|losses=4
|draws=
|no contests=
}}
Masamichi Yabuki (born July 9, 1992) is a Japanese professional boxer. He is a world champion in two weight classes, having held the IBF flyweight title since March 2025. He also previously held the WBC light flyweight title from 2021 to 2022 and the IBF light flyweight title from 2024 to 2025.
Professional career
=Early career=
Yabuki made his professional debut against Shohei Horii on March 27, 2016. He won the fight by a first-round technical knockout. He would go on to amass a 7–3 record over the next two years, most notably losing a close unanimous decision against Junto Nakatani on December 23, 2016,{{cite web | url=http://boxingnews.jp/news/43658/ | title=全日本新人王決定戦、Mvp吉開右京、技能は福永亮次 | date=23 December 2016 }} and a split decision to Daniel Matellon on September 28, 2018.{{cite web |last1=González |first1=Joel Isaac |title=Cubano Daniel Matellón se impuso en Japón |url=https://www.critica.com.pa/deportes/cubano-daniel-matellon-se-impuso-en-japon-529710 |website=critica.com.pa |date=30 September 2018 |access-date=22 September 2021}}
Yabuki won his next three fights, achieving stoppage victories against Bae Min-Chul, Ryuto Oho and Rikito Shiba, before he was scheduled to face Tsuyoshi Sato for the vacant Japanese light flyweight title on July 26, 2020. Yabuki stopped Sato with a left hook, near the end of the first round.{{cite web |title=Yabuki ices Sato in one, wins Japanese 108lb belt |url=https://fightnews.com/yabuki-ices-sato-in-one-wins-japanese-108lb-belt/79611 |website=fightnews.com |date=27 July 2020 |access-date=22 September 2021}} He was scheduled to make his first title defense against Toshimasa Ouchi on December 26, 2020.{{cite web |title=Masamichi Yabuki to defend Japanese title against Toshimasa Ouchi |url=https://www.asianboxing.info/asian-news/masamichi-yabuki-to-defend-japanese-title-against-toshimasa-ouchi |website=asianboxing.info |access-date=22 September 2021}} He won the fight by unanimous decision.{{cite web |title=Masamichi Yabuki Defeats Toshimasa Ouchi & Boxing Results From Aichi in Japan |url=https://www.boxen247.com/masamichi-yabuki-defeats-toshimasa-ouchi/ |website=boxen247.com |date=27 December 2020 |access-date=22 September 2021}}
=WBC light flyweight champion=
==Yabuki vs. Shiro==
Yabuki, at the time the #1 ranked WBC light flyweight contender, was scheduled to challenge the reigning WBC light flyweight champion Kenshiro Teraji, in Shiro's ninth title defense, on September 10, 2021, at the City Gym in Kyoto, Japan.{{cite web |last1=Wainwright |first1=Anson |title=WBC junior flyweight titlist Kenshiro Teraji will put belt up vs. Masamichi Yabuki |url=https://www.ringtv.com/623989-wbc-junior-flyweight-titlist-kenshiro-teraji-will-put-titles-up-vs-masamichi-yabuki/ |website=ringtv.com |date=6 July 2021 |access-date=9 August 2021}} The bout was later postponed for September 22, 2021, as both Shiro and his coach tested positive for COVID-19.{{cite web |title=【ボクシング】寺地拳四朗の陽性反応によりV9戦が延期＝9.10京都 |url=https://efight.jp/news-20210826_603677 |website=efight.jp |date=26 August 2021 |access-date=26 August 2021}} The fight was rescheduled for September 22, 2021.{{cite web |last1=Stumberg |first1=Patrick L. |title=Kenshiro Teraji vs. Masamichi Yabuki rescheduled for September 22nd |url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2021/9/7/22660800/kenshiro-teraji-vs-masamichi-yabuki-rescheduled-september-22-boxing-news-2021 |website=badlefthook.com |date=7 September 2021 |access-date=8 September 2021}} Yabuki won the fight by a tenth-round technical knockout. He appeared to be ahead on the scorecards heading into the tenth round, which prompted Shiro to increase his pace and volume. Although Shiro seemed close to finishing him, Yabuki managed to take over the round near its end and unload with volume which forced the referee to stop the fight.{{cite web |last1=Donovan |first1=Jake |title=Masamichi Yabuki Stops Kenshiro Teraji In 10th Round, Lifts WBC Title In Stunner |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/masamichi-yabuki-stops-kenshiro-teraji-10th-round-lifts-wbc-title-stunner--160734 |website=boxingscene.com |date=22 September 2021 |access-date=22 September 2021}}
==Yabuki vs. Shiro II==
On November 15, 2021, representatives of Kenshiro Teraji and Masamichi Yabuki held a press conference to announce that they’d agreed to a rematch, which would be held sometime in spring of 2022.{{cite web |last1=Stumberg |first1=Patrick L. |title=Masamichi Yabuki and Kenshiro Teraji agree to spring rematch |url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2021/11/15/22783928/masamichi-yabuki-kenshiro-teraji-agree-spring-rematch-boxing-news-2021 |website=badlefthook.com |date=15 November 2021 |access-date=20 December 2021}} The rematch for the WBC title was officially announced on January 24, 2022.{{cite web |last1=Wainwright |first1=Anson |title=Masamichi Yabuki-Kenshiro Teraji rematch set for March 19 in Japan |url=https://www.ringtv.com/633600-masamichi-yabuki-kenshiro-teraji-rematch-set-for-march-19-in-japan/ |website=ringtv.com |access-date=24 January 2022 |date=24 January 2022}} It took place at the City Gym in Kyoto, Japan, on March 19, 2022.{{cite web |last1=Rold |first1=Cliff |title=Masamichi Yabuki-Kenshiro Teraji II: Buckle Up |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/masamichi-yabuki-kenshiro-teraji-ii-buckle-up--164819 |website=boxingscene.com |access-date=19 March 2022 |date=17 March 2022}} Yabuki lost the fight by a third-round knockout.{{cite web |title=寺地拳四朗が圧巻のリベンジ WBC･L･フライ級王座返り咲き 攻撃的スタイルで矢吹正道を3回KO |url=https://boxingnews.jp/news/89215/ |website=boxingnews.jp |access-date=19 March 2022}}
=Post title reign=
Yabuki faced the undefeated Thanongsak Simsri on September 10, 2022 in what was promoted as a world title prelude. He won the fight by a seventh-round technical knockout. Yabuki knocked his opponent down twice prior to the stoppage, in the second and sixth rounds. During the in-ring post-fight speech, Yabuki revealed that he had injured his pelvis in the third round. He also announced that he was considering moving up to fight for a title at flyweight{{cite web |title=Yabuki stops Simsri in 7 rounds |url=https://www.asianboxing.info/asian-news/yabuki-stops-simsri-in-7-rounds |website=asianboxing.info |access-date=10 September 2022}} The fight was held at a catchweight of 50 kilograms.{{cite web | url=https://www.asianboxing.info/asian-news/masamichi-to-face-unbeaten-world-ranked-thai-in-ring-return | title=Masamichi to face unbeaten world ranked Thai in ring return! }}
Yabuki faced Ronald Chacon on January 28, 2023. He won the fight by an eleventh-round technical knockout.{{cite web |title=前WBC･L･フライ級王者の矢吹正道 チャコンに11回TKO勝ちで世界王座返り咲きに前進 |url=https://boxingnews.jp/news/96664/ |website=boxingnews.jp |access-date=28 January 2023}}
Professional boxing record
{{BoxingRecordSummary
|draws=
|nc=
|ko-wins=17
|ko-losses=2
|dec-wins=1
|dec-losses=2
}}
| class=wikitable style=text-align:center |
| {{abbr|No.|Number}}
!Result !Record !Opponent !Type !Round, time !Date !Location !Notes |
|---|
| 22
|{{yes2}}Win |18–4 |align=left|Ángel Ayala |TKO |12 (12), {{small|1:54}} |Mar 29, 2025 |align=left|{{small|Aichi Sky Expo, Tokoname, Japan}} |align=left|{{small|Won IBF flyweight title}} |
| 21
|{{yes2}}Win |17–4 |align=left|Sivenathi Nontshinga |TKO |9 (12), {{small|1:50}} |Oct 12, 2024 |align=left|{{small|Aichi Sky Expo, Tokoname, Japan}} |align=left|{{small|Won IBF light-flyweight title}} |
| 20
|{{yes2}}Win |16–4 |align=left|Kevin Vivas |TKO |4 (10), {{small|2:41}} |Mar 16, 2024 |align=left|{{small|Port Messe Nagoya, Nagoya, Japan}} |align=left| |
| 19
|{{yes2}}Win |15–4 |align=left|Ronald Chacon |TKO |11 (12), {{small|2:35}} |Jan 28, 2023 |align=left|{{small|International Conference Hall, Nagoya, Japan}} |align=left| |
| 18
|{{yes2}}Win |14–4 |align=left|Thanongsak Simsri |TKO |7 (10), {{small|1:19}} |Sep 10, 2022 |align=left|{{small|City Gymnasium, Yokkaichi, Mie, Japan}} |align=left| |
| 17
|{{no2}}Loss |13–4 |align=left|Kenshiro Teraji |KO |3 (12), {{small|1:11}} |Mar 19, 2022 |align=left|{{small|City Gym, Kyoto, Japan}} |align=left|{{small|Lost WBC light-flyweight title}} |
| 16
|{{yes2}}Win |13–3 |align=left|Kenshiro Teraji |TKO |10 (12), {{small|2:59}} |Sep 22, 2021 |align=left|{{small|City Gym, Kyoto, Japan}} |align=left|{{small|Won WBC light-flyweight title}} |
| 15
|{{yes2}}Win |12–3 |align=left|Toshimasa Ouchi |UD |10 |Dec 26, 2020 |align=left|{{small|Aioi Hall, Kariya, Japan}} |align=left|{{small|Retained Japanese light-flyweight title}} |
| 14
|{{yes2}}Win |11–3 |align=left|Tsuyoshi Sato |KO |1 (10), {{small|2:55}} |Jul 26, 2020 |align=left|{{small|Aioi Hall, Kariya, Japan}} |align=left|{{small|Won vacant Japanese light-flyweight title}} |
| 13
|{{yes2}}Win |10–3 |align=left|Rikito Shiba |TKO |4 (8), {{small|1:53}} |Dec 15, 2019 |align=left|{{small|Aioi Hall, Kariya, Japan}} |align=left| |
| 12
|{{yes2}}Win |9–3 |align=left|Ryuto Oho |TKO |6 (8), {{small|1:20}} |May 1, 2019 |align=left|{{small|Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan}} |align=left| |
| 11
|{{yes2}}Win |8–3 |align=left|Bae Min-Chul |TKO |5 (8), {{small|2:20}} |Jan 27, 2019 |align=left|{{small|Wolbae Sports Center, Daegu, South Korea}} |align=left| |
| 10
|{{no2}}Loss |7–3 |align=left|Daniel Matellon |{{abbr|SD|Split decision}} |8 |Sep 29, 2018 |align=left|{{small|Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan}} |align=left| |
| 9
|{{yes2}}Win |7–2 |align=left|Gilberto Pedroza |KO |2 (8), {{small|1:44}} |Jun 17, 2018 |align=left|{{small|Aioi Hall, Kariya, Japan}} |align=left| |
| 8
|{{no2}}Loss |6–2 |align=left|Seigo Yuri Akui |TKO |1 (8), {{small|1:32}} |Apr 8, 2018 |align=left|{{small|Suntopia, Sōja, Japan}} |align=left| |
| 7
|{{yes2}}Win |6–1 |align=left|Masashi Tada |TKO |1 (6), {{small|2:27}} |Nov 26, 2017 |align=left|{{small|Aioi Hall, Kariya, Japan}} |align=left| |
| 6
|{{yes2}}Win |5–1 |align=left|Masaki Hirai |TKO |2 (6), {{small|0:59}} |Jul 16, 2017 |align=left|{{small|Aioi Hall, Kariya, Japan}} |align=left| |
| 5
|{{yes2}}Win |4–1 |align=left|Kim Kwang-Min |TKO |1 (4), {{small|0:58}} |Mar 26, 2017 |align=left|{{small|Aioi Hall, Kariya, Japan}} |align=left| |
| 4
|{{no2}}Loss |3–1 |align=left|Junto Nakatani |{{abbr|UD|Unanimous decision}} |4 |Dec 23, 2016 |align=left|{{small|Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan}} |align=left| |
| 3
|{{yes2}}Win |3–0 |align=left|Ryosuke Nasu |{{abbr|KO|Knockout}} |1 (4), {{small|1:04}} |Nov 6, 2016 |align=left|{{small|EDION Arena, Osaka, Japan}} |align=left| |
| 2
|{{yes2}}Win |2–0 |align=left|Kiyoshi Nakamura |TKO |1 (4), {{small|2:12}} |Aug 7, 2016 |align=left|{{small|Aioi Hall, Kariya, Japan}} |align=left| |
| 1
|{{yes2}}Win |1–0 |align=left|Shohei Horii |{{abbr|TKO|Technical knockout}} |1 (4), {{small|2:29}} |Mar 27, 2016 |align=left|{{small|Aioi Hall, Kariya, Japan}} |align=left| |
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Boxrec|id=752510}}
- [https://box.live/boxers/masamichi-yabuki/ Masamichi Yabuki - Profile, News Archive & Current Rankings] at [https://Box.Live Box.Live]
{{s-start}}
{{s-sports}}
{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Regional boxing titles}}
|-
{{s-vac|last=Yuto Takahashi}}
{{s-ttl|title=Japanese light-flyweight champion
|years=July 26, 2020 – September 22, 2021
Won world title}}
{{s-vac|next=Shokichi Iwata}}
{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=World boxing titles}}
{{s-bef|before=Kenshiro Teraji}}
{{s-ttl|title=WBC light-flyweight champion
|years=September 22, 2021 – March 19, 2022}}
{{s-aft|after=Kenshiro Teraji}}
{{s-bef|before=Sivenathi Nontshinga}}
{{s-ttl|title=IBF light-flyweight champion
|years=October 12, 2024 – April 10, 2025
Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=Thanongsak Simsri}}
|-
{{s-bef|before=Ángel Ayala}}
{{s-ttl|title=IBF flyweight champion
|years=March 29, 2025 – present}}
{{s-inc}}
{{s-end}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Yabuki, Masamichi}}
Category:Martial artists from Mie Prefecture
Category:World light-flyweight boxing champions
Category:World flyweight boxing champions