WBC Special Preview – Shokichi Iwata vs Erik Badillo
WBC Light Flyweight Championship
Shokichi Iwata vs Erik Badillo
Ryogoku Kokugikan Arena
Tokyo, Japan
July 20th, 2026
Japan: U-NEXT. | Latin America: ESPNKO
Teiken Promotions Presents:
SHOKICHI IWATA
ERIK BADILLO
Nationality: Japan
Nationality: Mexican
Date of Birth: February 2,1996.
Date of Birth: January 28th, 1996.
Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan.
Birthplace: Mexico City, Mexico.
Residence: Tokyo, Japan
Residence: Mexico City, Mexico.
Age: 30
Age: 30
Record: 16-2-0; 13 KO´s
Record: 19-0-0, 8KO´s
KO Ratio: 81.25%
KO Ratio: 42.11 %
Stance: Orthodox
Stance: Southpaw
Rounds: 120
Rounds: 117
World title fights: 4 (2-2-0)
World Title Fights: 0
Manager: Mr. Akihiko Honda
Manager: TM boxing
Promoter: Teiken Promotions
Promoter: Sampson Lewkowicz
Trainer: Sendai Tanaka
Trainer: Ivan Badillo
Major Achievements
WBC Champion
SHOKICHI IWATA
Current WBC Lt. Flyweight Champion
Light Flyweight Champion. 2024
JBC Lt. Flyweight Champion. 2021 – 2022
3 Defenses
OPBF Lt. Flyweight Champion. 2022
3 Defenses
Challenger
ERIK BADILLO
WBC #1 Lt. Flyweight
WBC Mandatory Contender
WBC Silver Lt. Flyweight Champion. 2024
Mexican National Champion. 2020
WBC Light Flyweight Top Ten Champions
Humberto Gonzalez (Mexico)
Saman Sorjaturong (Thailand)
Jungkoo Chang (Korea)
Jorge Arce (Mexico)
Hilario Zapata (Panama)
Edgar Sosa (Mexico)
Michael Carbajal (USA)
Yosam Choi (Korea)
Luis Estaba (Venezuela)
Tadashi Tomori (Japan)
General Information
Shokichi Iwata and Erik Badillo are separated by just 4 days in age.
Teiken Promotions celebrates 100 years at the forefront of global boxing this July with Iwata vs. Badillo.
34 distinct fighters have held the official WBC Light Flyweight World Title.
Only 5 fighters in history have managed to reclaim the WBC Light Flyweight throne after losing it: Hilario Zapata, Humberto Gonzalez, Omar Niño, Adrian Hernandez, and Kenshiro Teraji.
Jungkoo Chang held the belt for 5 years, 3 months, and 1 day (March 26, 1983 – June 27, 1988), with 15 successful consecutive title defenses.
The division has been historically dominated by:
México (13 Champions). Castillo, Urzua, Torres, Gonzalez, Cob Castro, Arce, Ortiz, Niño, Sosa, Keb Baas, Hernandez, Guevara and Lopez.
Japan (7 Champions). Nakajima, Tomori, Inoue, Kimura, Teraji, Yabuki and Iwata.
Korea (4 Champions). Chang, Kim, Lee and Choi.
Thailand (6 Champions). Sor Vorasingh, Sorjaturong, Singwangcha, Porpramook, Pradabsri and Niyomtrong.
Philippines (2 Champions). Pascua and Mayol.
Venezuela (2 Champions). Estaba and Canizales.
WBC Mexico vs. Japan Rivalry
There have been 122 WBC Mexico vs. Japan WBC Title Fights in total:
México has 62 wins, Japan 59 wins & 1 No Contest.
Memorable Fights
June 4, 1980: Lupe Pintor vs. Eijiro Murata. Lupe Pintor traveled to Tokyo to defend his WBC Bantamweight title against the unbeaten local hero Eijiro Murata. In a grueling, tactical, and bloody 15-round battle, both men had their moments of dominance. The judges ultimately scored it a split draw, allowing Pintor to retain his crown in a highly competitive classic.
March 3rd, 1996: Zaragoza vs. Tatsuyoshi I. Zaragoza used his veteran savvy and sharp counter-punching to secure a definitive 11th-round TKO, retaining his WBC Super Bantamweight title.
May 23, 2009: Toshiaki Nishioka vs. Jhonny González. Mexican puncher Jhonny González challenge the reigning WBC Super Bantamweight champion Toshiaki Nishioka in Monterrey, Mexico. González started beautifully, dropping Nishioka heavily in the 1st round. However, Nishioka showed immense composure, roaring back to brutally knock González out in the 3rd round.
April 3, 2010: Hozumi Hasegawa vs. Fernando Montiel In a highly anticipated clash in Tokyo, Hasegawa put his long-reigning WBC belt on the line against champion Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel. After a tense, high-speed chess match for three rounds, Montiel caught Hasegawa with a thunderous left hook late in the 4th forcing a dramatic referee stoppage.
April 6, 2014: Naoya Inoue vs. Adrián Hernández Naoya Inoue started his brilliant path aiming to conquer a world title in just his 6th professional fight. The experienced, rugged Mexican champion Adrián “Confesor” Hernández pushed Inoue hard, but “The Monster” showed his terrifying, elite power, breaking Hernández down in the 6th round.
November 21, 2015: Francisco Vargas vs. Takashi Miura WBC 2015 “Fight of the Year.” Vargas rose from the canvas and was on the brink of a technical knockout loss, battling through a completely closed right eye before launching a dramatic, heroic counter-attack against the outstanding Japanese champion. Vargas won via TKO in round 9 to capture the WBC Super Featherweight Title.
August 15, 2017: Luis Nery vs. Shinsuke Yamanaka I The Mexican young challenger traveled to Japan and utilized relentless pressure to stop the long-reigning legendary champion, ending Yamanaka’s dominant streak.
February 24, 2024: Junto Nakatani vs. Alejandro Santiago Mexico’s reigning WBC bantamweight champion Alejandro “Peque” Santiago traveled to Tokyo to make his first title defense against the dangerous, surging southpaw Junto Nakatani. Nakatani used his significant height and reach advantages to masterfully control the distance, In the 6th round, Nakatani unleashed a booming, precise right-hand combination that sent Santiago heavily to the canvas, forcing a referee stoppage to claim the green and gold belt.
May 6, 2024: Naoya Inoue vs. Luis Nery A massive modern blockbuster at the Tokyo Dome. Luis Nery shocked the world just seconds into the fight by dropping the undisputed super bantamweight king, Naoya Inoue, for the very first time in his career. “The Monster” got up, recovered, and put on a clinic, flooring Nery three times before finishing him in the 6th.
December 27, 2025: Naoya Inoue vs. Alan David Picasso Defending his undisputed super bantamweight championship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Naoya Inoue faced the unbeaten, highly ranked Mexican contender Alan David Picasso. Alan showed extreme resilience and confidence early on, moving forward and testing Inoue’s rhythm while keeping a tight, defensive high guard. However, “The Monster” put on a masterclass of composure and precision to secure a wide unanimous decision victory.
WBC Light Flyweight Memorable Fights
March 26, 1983: Jung Koo Chang vs. Hilario Zapata. In a battle between WBC Light Flyweight legends, South Korea’s “Korean Hawk” Jung Koo Chang collided with Panama’s Hilario Zapata. Chang unleashed relentless pressure and power that overwhelmed the veteran maestro in three rounds.
December 9, 1989: Humberto González vs. Jung Koo Chang “Chiquita” González traveled to South Korea to challenge the legendary Jung Koo Chang. It was 12 rounds of relentless inside fighting and brilliant tactical exchanges, with the tough Mexican securing a unanimous decision victory and the first defense of his crown.
March 13, 1993: Michael Carbajal vs. Humberto González The historic first meeting between these two Hall of Fame rivals lived up to every ounce of hype. González dropped Carbajal twice early on and looked set to win the fight, but Carbajal showed incredible heart to mount a legendary comeback, scoring a spectacular knockout in the 7th round.
February 19, 1994: Humberto González vs. Michael Carbajal II Humberto “Chiquita” González modified his strategy, putting on a masterclass of tactical boxing, lateral movement, and counterpunching. It was a fiercely competitive match, with González avenging his previous defeat.
July 15, 1995: Saman Sorjaturong vs. Humberto González Humberto “Chiquita” González was a heavy favorite and a superstar. What was supposed to be a standard defense turned into a savage, multi-knockdown war. Sorjaturong survived being dropped and battered, showing unreal resilience to storm back and stop the legendary Mexican in the 7th round in a massive upset.
July 6, 2002: Jorge Arce vs. Yo Sam Choi “Travieso” Arce traveled to Seoul, South Korea, to challenge the tough, reigning champion Yo Sam Choi. Arce brought his signature relentless volume and aggression. By the 6th round, Arce’s furious combinations forced a dramatic technical knockout.
April 6, 2014: Naoya Inoue vs. Adrián Hernández Naoya Inoue started his brilliant path aiming to conquer a world title in just his 6th professional fight. The experienced, rugged Mexican champion Adrián “Confesor” Hernández pushed Inoue hard, but “The Monster” showed his terrifying, elite power, breaking Hernández down in the 6th round.
March 19, 2022: Kenshiro Teraji vs. Masamichi Yabuki II Teraji had suffered his first professional loss against Masamichi Yabuki. Having tested positive for COVID-19 just weeks before that first fight, Teraji had looked uncharacteristically sluggish and was stopped in the 10th round. The rematch was a clinical display of redemption.
March 13, 2025: Kenshiro Teraji vs. Seigo Yuri Akui Akui used his physical strength to lead on two of the three official scorecards going into the final round. In a dramatic turn of events in the last round, Kenshiro Teraji secured the stoppage.
August 1, 2025: Panya Pradabsri vs. Carlos Cañizales II Boxing returned to the historic Poliedro de Caracas. Cañizales avenged his first loss to Panya by putting on a heartfelt performance; despite being dropped in the 4th round, he got up to knock out Panya in the following round.
Teiken Celebrates Historic 100th Anniversary
Teiken Promotions, a historic and cornerstone institution in professional boxing both in Japan and across the global sports landscape, is proudly celebrating its landmark 100th anniversary. Established in 1926, the legendary gym and promotional powerhouse is marking a century of excellence with a highly impressive, world-class fight card on July 20th. The historic event will be headlined by WBC Light Flyweight Champion Shokichi Iwata as he defends his world title against his dangerous mandatory challenger from Mexico, Erik Badillo.
Teiken’s journey to a century of prominence is a story of profound resilience. Following the devastation of World War II, the gym experienced a vital historic revival under the leadership of its founding manager, Mr. Akira Honda, who played a pivotal role in rebuilding Japan’s broader boxing infrastructure. When Akira Honda tragically passed away at a young age, the gym came dangerously close to disappearing entirely.
However, destiny thrust his son, Mr. Akihiko Honda, into the forefront of the operation. Supported by the extraordinary Miss Nagano, Teiken not only survived but gained immense strength, culminating in the historic moment when Masao Ohba captured the world title, bringing lasting fame and business stability to the gym.
Miss Nagano dedicated her entire life to boxing, working closely for decades alongside Mr. Akihiko Honda in the administration and daily operations of Teiken Promotions. We will always remember her as the most beloved and affectionate pillar of the gym, who sacrificed her life for the sport, leaving behind an eternal memory.
Today, Akihiko Honda stands not just as an iconic promoter, but as one of the most influential figures in the history of sports. Widely considered the greatest promoter in the history of Asia, Mr. Honda is ranked alongside historic global giants like Don King and Bob Arum. For over 50 years, he has maintained a permanent spot in boxing’s top ten pound-for-pound contributors.
Remarkably quiet and deeply respectful, Mr. Honda deliberately avoids the spotlight, directing all attention and glory away from himself and onto his fighters. Consequently, nobody in the notoriously complex and cutthroat boxing industry has ever spoken negatively of him. He remains universally respected and beloved.
As a master coordinator, Mr. Honda has served as the definitive international bridge between domestic Japanese promoters and the global stage, securing countless overseas championship opportunities for Japanese warriors across Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Mexico.
His visionary media leadership secured boxing’s permanent footprint on television, ensuring that the vast majority of world title fights are broadcast live or recorded throughout Japan. His promotional reach is the stuff of boxing lore; notably, in the late 1980s, Mr. Honda promoted Mike Tyson’s historic, dual appearances at the massive Tokyo Dome.
Operating at an unprecedented level of global activity, Mr. Honda’s close executive team, Akemi, Nobu, and Nick, alongside the gym’s dedicated world-class trainers and fighters, deserve widespread recognition. This marvelous team brilliantly complements Teiken’s global operations, displaying a rare virtue that makes every visiting fighter, official, and guest feel uniquely special, ensuring they always return home with the memories of a lifetime.
As Teiken Promotions enters its second century, it continues to honor its rich past while aggressively shaping the future of boxing on the world stage.
During its brilliant history, Teiken has promoted an elite array of world-class talent and legendary champions, including Masao Ohba, Tsuyoshi Hamada, Jorge Linares, Toshiaki Nishioka, Román “Chocolatito” González, Takahiro Ao, Akifumi Shimoda, Shinsuke Yamanaka, Toshiyuki Igarashi, Takashi Miura, Carlos Cuadras, Yu Kimura, Ryota Murata, Kenichi Ogawa, Jesse “Bam” Rodríguez, Anthony Olascuaga, Shokichi Iwata, Kyosuke Takami, Ryusei Matsumoto, Tenshin Nasukawa, and Tomoya Tsuboi.
WBC Light Flyweight Champions
Name
Championship Period
1. Franco Udella (Italy)
1975
2. Luis Estaba (Venezuela)
1975 – 1978
3. Freddie Castillo (Mexico)
1978
4. Netrnoi Sor Vorasingh (Thailand)
1978
5. Sung Jun Kim (Korea)
1978 – 1980
6. Shigeo Nakajima (Japan)
1980
7. Hilario Zapata (Panama)
1980 – 1982
8. Amado Urzua (Mexico)
1982
9. Tadashi Tomori (Japan)
1982
10. Hilario Zapata (Panama)
* 1982 – 1983
11. Jungkoo Chang (Korea)
1983 – 1988
12. German Torres (Mexico)
1988 – 1989
13. Yulwoo Lee (Korea)
1989
14. Humberto Gonzalez (Mexico)
1989 – 1990
15. Rolando Pascua (Philippines)
1990 – 1991
16. Melchor Cob Castro (Mexico)
1991
17. Humberto Gonzalez (Mexico)
* 1991 – 1993
18. Michael Carbajal (USA)
1993 – 1994
19. Humberto Gonzalez (Mexico)
* 1994 – 1995
20. Saman Sorjaturong (Thailand)
1995 – 1999
21. Yosam Choi (Korea)
1999 – 2002
22. Jorge Arce (Mexico)
2001 – 2004
23. Eric Ortiz (Mexico)
2005
24. Brian Viloria (USA)
2005 – 2006
25. Omar Niño (Mexico)
2006
26. Wandee Singwangcha (Thailand)
Interim 2006
27. Edgar Sosa (Mexico)
2007 – 2009
28. Rodel Mayol (Philippines)
2009 – 2010
29. Omar Niño (Mexico)
* 2010
30. Gilberto Keb Baas (Mexico)
2010 – 2011
31. Adrian Hernandez (Mexico)
2011
32. Kompayak Porpramook (Thailand)
2011 – 2012
33. Adrian Hernandez (Mexico)
* 2012 – 2014
34. Naoya Inoue (Japan)
2014
35. Pedro Guevara (Mexico)
2014 – 2015
36. Yo Kimura (Japan)
2015 – 2016
37. Ganigan Lopez (Mexico)
2016 – 2017
38. Kenshiro Teraji (Japan)
2017 – 2021
39. Masamichi Yabuki (Japan
2021 – 2022
40. Kenshiro Teraji (Japan)
* 2022 – 2024
41. Panya Pradabsri (Thailand)
2024 – 2025
42. Carlos Canizales (Venezuela)
2025
43. Thammanoon Niyomtrong (Thailand)
2025-2026
44.- Shokichi Iwata (Japan)
2026
*Regained
“Whata” Iwata vs. “Bad Dude” Badillo
By James Blears
Japan’s Shokichi Iwata defends his WBC Light Flyweight title against undefeated Mexican Erik Badillo on Monday, July 20th at the Kokugikon Arena, Tokyo, in a battle of a wily hard-hitter against a legal eagle who aims to soar by laying d|own the law.
Both aged thirty, but while Iwata’s career went on the ascent at an earlier stage, Badillo has taken a little longer to shed the fledgling mantle and spread his wings. Indeed, this is Iwata’s second phase as a world light flyweight champion, while Badillo has earned his spurs and, with it, his challenger opportunity, by winning the WBC Silver title and then a rugged final eliminator.
Iwata, who fought his debut in 2018, is 16-2, 13 KOs, which is an 81.25 percent stoppage ratio over 120 rounds. Badillo, whose pro debut was the same year, is now 19-0, 8 KOs, which is a 42.1 percent halting reference, spanning 117 rounds. Iwata is five feet four inches tall and his reach is 63.8 inches. Badillo is an inch taller and his reach is not available. It’s unreachable?
Going all the way to Japan, venturing on the Champ’s home turf, and encroaching into his comfort zone takes a usurper’s striking willpower. Erik’s nickname is “Mini Pacman.” Many Mexicans are hoping he can emulate Manny.
Iwata is promoted by the legendary Akihiko Honda’s Teiken Promotions. He is coached by the able and experienced Sendai Tanaka, who has already guided Jorge Linares, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez.
Badillo is represented by Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. His Principal Coach is his brother Ivan. Erik is a trained lawyer. He qualified aged twenty-one, but decided to primarily concentrate on the ring and then eventually return to the circuit. A sound judgment, as it’s turned out. I rest my case?
Iwata began his pro career with nine wins on the trot, winning the Japanese and OPBF titles. But then, he lost to the slicker and more experienced WBO Champion Jonathan Gonzalez by UD. He boxed and bounced back with four victories. Gonzalez vacated and a more seasoned Iwata stopped Jairo Noriega in three rounds for the vacant belt. But then, and surprisingly, he lost the title by UD in his first defense to Rene Santiago. He then KO’d Edwin Cano in four rounds.
WBC Champion Carlos Canizales was unable to travel outside Venezuela due to a US-imposed travel ban. He became Champion in recess. At last year’s WBC Convention in Bangkok, Thailand, Thammanoon Niyomtrong, previously known as Knockout CP Freshmart, fought and defeated Junior Zarate by UD for the vacant title. But he then lost his crown against Iwata. Initially, Iwata was declared the winner via an eighth-round technical decision. By that time, Iwata was well ahead on all three scorecards: 79-73, 79-73, and 78-74.
Niyomtrong had been cut over the left eye and the gash had considerably worsened. It was thought to have come from a clash of heads. But an investigation, including detailed film analysis, conclusively determined that the cut had been caused by a left hook, fifty-five seconds into round four. The Japanese Boxing Commission announced the result had been altered to a TKO.
Erik’s route via Mexico City to his first world opportunity has been more gradual. He defeated previously unbeaten Neider Valdez Aguilar via fifth-round TKO to win the WBC Silver title. He most recently defeated ex-WBO Champion Elwin “La Pulga” Soto by UD. “Pulga” is trained by Robert Garcia. This was an Eliminator for the title and so now Iwata’s defense is a Mandatory. Badillo is still undefeated.
Iwata’s opposition speaks quality. His first defeat, which was to Gonzalez, was part of a learning curve. His second loss to Rene Santiago was both a disappointment and a wake-up call. Badillo has taken longer to come into his prime. As the Road Warrior for this particular challenge, he is traveling far and wide and deep into unfamiliar territory. Will this motivate him, or will it be a bridge too far?
As the Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen lyrics conclude: “So you see It’s all up to you. You can be better than you are, you could be swinging on a Star.”
The bell will ring, and then… it’s time to Bing!