Yuko Kuroki
{{Short description|Japanese boxer (born 1991)}}
{{Infobox boxer
|name=Yuko Kuroki
|image=
|image_size=
|caption=
|realname=黒木優子
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1991|03|28|df=y}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/291525-yuko-kuroki|title=Yuko Kuroki|publisher=topology.com|access-date=2024-05-28}}
|birth_place=Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
{{cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/481085|title=Boxrec profile of Yuko Kuroki|publisher=Boxrec.com|access-date=2024-05-28}}
|nationality=
|nickname=
|weight={{plainlist|
}}
|style=Southpaw
|boxrec= 481085
|total=35
|wins=25
|KO=10
|losses=8
|draws=2
|no contests=
}}
{{Nihongo|Yuko Kuroki|黒木優子|Kuroki Yuko|born 28 March 1991}} is a Japanese professional boxer. She is a world champion in two weight classes having held the World Boxing Association (WBA) female mini-flyweight title since January 2025, the World Boxing Council (WBC) female mini-flyweight title from 2014 to 2017, and the unified World Boxing Organization (WBO) and WBA female atomweight titles from 2022 to 2024.
Professional boxing career
A professional boxer since 2008, Kuroki first challenged for a World title when she took on IBF female minimumweight title holder Etsuko Tada at Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan, on 3 March 2013, losing by unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/664297/1772854|title=Etsuko Tada vs Yuko Kuroki|publisher=boxrec.com|access-date=2024-05-28}}{{cite web|url=https://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2013/news030513japan.htm|title=All Female Boxing Card in Japan!|publisher=womenofboxing.com|access-date=2024-05-28}}
However, she did not have to wait long to get her hands on a global belt as she won the WBC female minimumweight World title on 17 May 2014, beating defending champion Mari Ando by unanimous decision at Azalea Taisho, Osaka, Japan.{{cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/689222/1876677|title=Yuko Kuroki vs Mari Ando|publisher=boxrec.com|access-date=2024-05-28}}{{cite web|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/kuroki-gutierrez-wbc-title-clash-on-november-1st--82941|title=Kuroki-Gutierrez WBC Title Clash on November 1st|date=7 October 2014 |publisher=Boxing Scene|access-date=2024-05-28}}
After five successful defenses, she lost her title on 17 December 2017, to Momo Koseki slipping to a unanimous decision defeat at Kyuden Gym, Fukuoka, Japan.{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2017/12/17/more-sports/boxing-2/momo-koseki-dethrones-yuko-kuroki-wbc-minimum-flyweight-title/|title=Momo Koseki dethrones Yuko Kuroki for WBC minimum flyweight title|date=17 December 2017 |publisher=Japan Times|access-date=2024-05-28}}{{cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/757679/2192678|title=Saemi Hanagata vs Yuko Kuroki|publisher=boxrec.com|access-date=2024-05-28}}
Moving down a weight division, Kuroki faced Saemi Hanagata at Korakuen Hall on 29 September 2018, with the vacant IBF female atomweight World title on the line. She lost by split decision with one ringside judge scoring the bout 96–95 in her favour while the other two gave the contest 96–94 for her opponent.{{cite web|url=https://www.asianboxing.info/results2/category/saemi-hanagata-vs-yuko-kuroki-iii|title=Hanagata and Kuroki go to the judges in brawl for IBF crown!|publisher=Asian Boxing|access-date=2024-05-28}}{{cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/772655/2272483|title=Momo Koseki vs Yuko Kuroki|publisher=boxrec.com|access-date=2024-05-28}}
Kuroki claimed the WBO female atomweight World title on 1 September 2022, winning via unanimous decision against Nanae Suzuki at Korakuen Hall.{{cite web|url=https://fightnews.com/ex-champs-kuroki-iwakawa-regain-world-female-belts/137211|title=Ex-champs Kuroki, Iwakawa regain world female belts|date=3 September 2022 |publisher=fightnews.com|access-date=2024-05-28}}{{cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/860114/2877677|title=Nanae Suzuki vs Yuko Kuroki|publisher=boxrec.com|access-date=2024-06-12}} At the same venue on 30 March 2023, she defended the title in a rematch with Suzuki, again taking a unanimous decision win.{{cite web|url=https://boxingnews.jp/english/97964/|title=Kuroki decisions Suzuki to retain WBO's world female atomweight title in direct rematch|publisher=Boxing News|access-date=2024-05-28}}
On 5 August 2023, Kuroki became a unified World champion when she defeated WBA female atomweight title holder Monserrat Alarcón by majority decision at Central Gym, Kobe, Japan. Two judges scored 96-94 for Kuroki while the third had the fight a 95–95 tie.{{cite web|url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/kuroki-dethroned-alarcon-in-kobe|title=Kuroki dethroned Alarcon in Kobe|date=6 August 2023 |publisher=wbaboxing.com|access-date=2024-05-28}}{{cite web|url=https://fightnews.com/kuroki-unifies-wba-wbo-female-102lb-belts/151291|title=Kuroki unifies WBA, WBO female 102lb belts|date=7 August 2023 |publisher=fight news.com|access-date=2024-05-28}}
Returning to Korakuen Hall on 12 January 2024, she lost her titles to Eri Matsuda going down by split decision with one judge giving her the contest 96-94 but the other two awarding it to Matsuda 96-94 and 97–93.{{cite web|url=https://boxingnews.jp/english/105454/|title=Matsuda decisions Kuroki, wins WBA/WBO world atomweight titles in Tokyo|publisher=Boxing News|access-date=2024-05-28}}{{cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/885602/3083097|title=Yuko Kuroki vs Eri Matsuda|publisher=boxrec.com|access-date=2024-05-28}}
In her next bout, Kuroki stopped Wisuta Sririttidet in the fourth of a scheduled eight rounds at Kanada Hall, Fukuchi, Japan, on 29 September 2024.{{cite web|url=https://notifight.com/contenido/54148/yuko-kuroki-noqueo-en-cuatro-a-wisuta-sririttidet-en-japon|title=Yuko Kuroki noqueó en cuatro a Wisuta Sririttidet en Japón|date=29 September 2024 |publisher=notifight.com (in Spanish)|accessdate=11 January 2025}}
It was announced in December 2024, that she would fight the unbeaten Ye-Kyeng Seo for the vacant WBA female minimumweight title at Korakuen Hall on 21 January 2025.{{cite web|url=https://www.asianboxing.info/asian-news/yuki-kuroki-to-fight-for-wba-title-in-january|title=YUKI KUROKI TO FIGHT FOR WBA TITLE IN JANUARY|publisher=Asian Boxing|accessdate=11 January 2025}} Kuroki won the bout by unanimous decision with all three ringside judges scoring it 96-94.{{cite web|url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/kuroki-captures-wba-minimumweight-championship|title=Kuroki captures WBA minimumweight championship|date=21 January 2025 |publisher=wbaboxing.com|accessdate=21 January 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://news.goo.ne.jp/article/nikkansports/sports/f-bt-tp0-250121-202501210001509.html|title=【ボクシング】元統一王者・黒木優子「涙が止まらなくて」約１年ぶり世界王座返り咲き成功|publisher=Goo News (in Japanese)|accessdate=21 January 2025}}
Kuroki defended her WBA female minimumweight title against Nanako Suzuki at Korakuen Hall on 26 June 2025.{{Cite news |title=WBA女子ミニマム級王者黒木優子、世界３位鈴木なな子と初防衛戦「相手の顔をボコボコに」 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/202504210000892.html |newspaper=nikkansports |date=2025-04-21 |accessdate=2025-06-29 }} She won the bout by unanimous decision.{{Cite news |title=【ボクシング】王者の黒木優子、鈴木なな子に判定で完勝「経験が生きた」 次戦は12月にドイツで日本女子初の2階級目の2団体王座統一戦濃厚 |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20250626-MWFIQL6BFRLSHDVBZL2MOZG2LI/ |newspaper=sanspo |date=2025-06-26 |accessdate=2025-06-29 }}
Professional boxing record
{{BoxingRecordSummary
|draws=2
|nc=
|ko-wins=10
|ko-losses=
|dec-wins=15
|dec-losses=8
|dq-wins=
|dq-losses=
}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
| {{abbr|No.|Number}}
!Result !Record !Opponent !Type !Round, time !Date !Location !Notes |
|---|
| 35
|{{yes2}}Win |25–8–2 |align=left|Nanako Suzuki |UD |10 |26 Jun 2025 |align=left|{{small|Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan}} |align=left|{{small|Retained WBA female mini-flyweight title}} |
| 34
|{{yes2}}Win |24–8–2 |align=left|Seo Ye-kyeng |UD |10 |21 Jan 2025 |align=left|{{small|Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan}} |align=left|{{small|Won vacant WBA female mini-flyweight title}} |
| 33
|{{yes2}}Win |23–8–2 |align=left|Wisuta Sririttidet |TKO |4 (8), {{small|1:38}} |29 Sep 2024 |align=left|{{small|Kanada Hall, Fukuchi, Japan}} | |
| 32
|{{no2}}Loss |22–8–2 |align=left|Eri Matsuda |SD |10 |12 Jan 2024 |align=left|{{small|Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan}} |align=left|{{small|Lost WBA and WBO female atomweight titles}} |
| 31
|{{yes2}}Win |22–7–2 |align=left|Monserrat Alarcón |MD |10 |5 Aug 2023 |align=left|{{small|Central Gym, Kobe, Japan}} |align=left|{{small|Retained WBO female atomweight title; Won WBA female atomweight title}} |
| 30
|{{yes2}}Win |21–7–2 |align=left|Nanae Suzuki |UD |10 |30 Mar 2023 |align=left|{{small|Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan}} |align=left|{{small|Retained WBO female atomweight title}} |
| 29
|{{yes2}}Win |20–7–2 |align=left|Nanae Suzuki |UD |10 |1 Sep 2022 |align=left|{{small|Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan}} |align=left|{{small|Won WBO female atomweight title}} |
| 28
|{{yes2}}Win |19–7–2 |align=left|Sothita Sitthichai |TKO |2 (8), {{small|0:50}} |28 May 2022 |align=left|{{small|Singmanassak Muaythai School, Pathum Thani, Thailand}} | |
| 27
|{{no2}}Loss |18–7–2 |align=left|Mizuki Chimoto |MD |8 |7 Jun 2021 |align=left|{{small|Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan}} |align=left|{{small|For vacant OPBF female mini-flyweight title}} |
| 26
|{{draw}}Draw |18–6–2 |align=left|Nao Ikeyama |SD |8 |14 Apr 2019 |align=left|{{small|KBS Hall, Kyoto, Japan}} | |
| 25
|{{no2}}Loss |18–6–1 |align=left|Saemi Hanagata |SD |10 |29 Sep 2018 |align=left|{{small|Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan}} |align=left|{{small|For vacant IBF female atomweight title}} |
| 24
|{{yes2}}Win |18–5–1 |align=left|Momoko Kanda |UD |8 |17 Apr 2018 |align=left|{{small|Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan}} | |
| 23
|{{no2}}Loss |17–5–1 |align=left|Momo Koseki |UD |10 |17 Dec 2017 |align=left|{{small|Kyuden Gym, Fukuoka, Japan}} |align=left|{{small|Lost WBC female mini-flyweight title}} |
| 22
|{{yes2}}Win |17–4–1 |align=left|Mari Ando |UD |10 |18 Dec 2016 |align=left|{{small|Kyuden Gym, Fukuoka, Japan}} |align=left|{{small|Retained WBC female mini-flyweight title}} |
| 21
|{{yes2}}Win |16–4–1 |align=left|Norj Guro |KO |8 (10), {{small|1:09}} |6 Jun 2016 |align=left|{{small|Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan}} |align=left|{{small|Retained WBC female mini-flyweight title}} |
| 20
|{{yes2}}Win |15–4–1 |align=left|Nancy Franco |UD |10 |20 Dec 2015 |align=left|{{small|Kyuden Gym, Fukuoka, Japan}} |align=left|{{small|Retained WBC female mini-flyweight title}} |
| 19
|{{yes2}}Win |14–4–1 |align=left|Kanittha Ninthim |TKO |3 (8) |16 Aug 2015 |align=left|{{small|Kyuden Gym, Fukuoka, Japan}} | |
| 18
|{{yes2}}Win |13–4–1 |align=left|Masae Akitaya |UD |10 |9 May 2015 |align=left|{{small|Aqua Bunka Hall, Toyonaka, Japan}} |align=left|{{small|Retained WBC female mini-flyweight title}} |
| 17
|{{yes2}}Win |12–4–1 |align=left|Katia Gutiérrez |{{abbr|SD|Split decision}} |10 |1 Nov 2014 |align=left|{{small|ACROS, Fukuoka, Japan}} |align=left|{{small|Retained WBC female mini-flyweight title}} |
| 16
|{{yes2}}Win |11–4–1 |align=left|Mari Ando |UD |10 |17 May 2014 |align=left|{{small|Azalea Taisho, Osaka, Japan}} |align=left|{{small|Won WBC female mini-flyweight title}} |
| 15
|{{yes2}}Win |10–4–1 |align=left|Aisah Alico |TKO |3 (8) |16 Mar 2014 |align=left|{{small|Kyuden Gym, Fukuoka, Japan}} | |
| 14
|{{draw}}Draw |9–4–1 |align=left|Saemi Hanagata |{{abbr|SD|Split draw}} |10 |13 Dec 2013 |align=left|{{small|Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan}} |align=left|{{small|For vacant OPBF female mini-flyweight title}} |
| 13
|{{no2}}Loss |9–4 |align=left|Saemi Hanagata |UD |8 |24 Jun 2013 |align=left|{{small|Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan}} | |
| 12
|{{no2}}Loss |9–3 |align=left|Etsuko Tada |UD |10 |3 Mar 2013 |align=left|{{small|Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan}} |align=left|{{small|For WBA female mini-flyweight title}} |
| 11
|{{yes2}}Win |9–2 |align=left|Mika Oda |TKO |2 (8) |16 Nov 2012 |align=left|{{small|Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan}} | |
| 10
|{{yes2}}Win |8–2 |align=left|Amara Naktaku |UD |10 |25 Dec 2011 |align=left|{{small|Kyuden Gym, Fukuoka, Japan}} | |
| 9
|{{yes2}}Win |7–2 |align=left|Wassana Kamdee |TKO |4 (10), {{small|1:56}} |8 Jul 2011 |align=left|{{small|Kyuden Gym, Fukuoka, Japan}} |align=left|{{small|Won WBC Youth female atomweight title}} |
| 8
|{{yes2}}Win |6–2 |align=left|Kim Na-kyung |TKO |3 (8) |8 May 2011 |align=left|{{small|Accion, Fukuoka, Japan}} | |
| 7
|{{yes2}}Win |5–2 |align=left|Liu Qi |{{abbr|KO|Knockout}} |3 (6) |26 Dec 2010 |align=left|{{small|Kyuden Gym, Fukuoka, Japan}} | |
| 6
|{{yes2}}Win |4–2 |align=left|Rinks Nakahara |UD |4 |17 Oct 2010 |align=left|{{small|Prefectural Gymnasium, Kurume, Japan}} | |
| 5
|{{yes2}}Win |3–2 |align=left|Liu Dalin |UD |4 |23 May 2010 |align=left|{{small|Accion, Fukuoka, Japan}} | |
| 4
|{{yes2}}Win |2–2 |align=left|Amy Berezowski |{{abbr|TKO|Technical knockout}} |2 (4) |19 Dec 2009 |align=left|{{small|Kyuden Gym, Fukuoka, Japan}} | |
| 3
|{{no2}}Loss |1–2 |align=left|Naoko Shibata |MD |4 |26 Jun 2009 |align=left|{{small|Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan}} | |
| 2
|{{yes2}}Win |1–1 |align=left|Natsume Yokozeki |{{abbr|UD|Unanimous decision}} |4 |5 Apr 2009 |align=left|{{small|Clover Plaza, Kasuga, Japan}} | |
| 1
|{{no2}}Loss |0–1 |align=left|Kumiko Nishida |{{abbr|MD|Majority decision}} |4 |20 Dec 2008 |align=left|{{small|Momochi Gym, Fukuoka, Japan}} | |
References
{{Reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kuroki, Yuko}}
Category:Japanese women boxers
Category:Mini-flyweight boxers
Category:Light-flyweight boxers
Category:World Boxing Association champions
Category:World Boxing Council champions
Category:World Boxing Organization champions
Category:World mini-flyweight boxing champions