Kyosuke Takami (Teiken), an up-and-coming prospect from Teiken Gym and currently ranked No. 1 by the WBA in the light flyweight division with an undefeated record of 9 wins (7 KOs), is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations to face WBA World Light Flyweight Champion Erick Rosa (Dominican Republic), who also holds an undefeated record of 8 wins (2 KOs), in a bout planned for July.
Takami earned widespread recognition after his dominant performance on April 8, when he challenged Japanese light flyweight champion Toshiki Kawamitsu (Misako Gym), who was ranked WBC No. 3, WBO No. 8, and IBF No. 12 at the time. Takami overwhelmed Kawamitsu from the early rounds and secured a TKO victory at 2:26 of the 6th round to claim the Japanese title.
As a result of this victory, Takami’s WBA ranking jumped from No. 3 to No. 1, surpassing previous No. 2-ranked Alvin Hong Pasiones (Philippines, residing in Vietnam), who holds an undefeated record of 10 wins (5 KOs).
After Kyosuke Takami won the Japanese title, Teiken Gym President Akihiko Honda gave the green light for a world title challenge, stating, “He’s the most talented champion we’ve had in a while. His world ranking is high, and he’s ready for a title fight anytime.” The chosen target was two-division world champion Erick Rosa.
The 25-year-old Rosa made history on July 21, 2021 (July 22 JST) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, when he captured the WBA interim minimumweight title by defeating the undefeated Ricardo Astuvilca of Peru via unanimous decision over 12 rounds. Rosa claimed the belt in just his fourth professional bout, only nine months after turning pro—making him the fastest Dominican to win a world title and the second-fastest in boxing history.
On December 21, 2021 (December 22 JST), also in Santo Domingo, Rosa fought WBA regular champion Vic Saludar (Philippines, 26 wins, 16 KOs, 6 losses) in a unification bout, winning a close 12-round split decision to become the regular WBA champion.
A unification bout against WBA super champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong (Thailand, 26 wins, 10 KOs, 1 loss) was ordered, and the match was scheduled for March 1, 2023, in Thailand. However, upon arriving in Thailand, Rosa was denied entry due to passport issues, and the fight was canceled. Multiple subsequent attempts to reschedule the bout also fell through, and in January of last year, Rosa vacated the minimumweight title and moved up to the light flyweight division.
In his light flyweight debut, Rosa defeated Yudel Reyes of Mexico (16 wins, 6 KOs, 4 losses) by unanimous decision over 12 rounds to win the WBA Gold title. On December 19, 2023 (December 20 JST), he captured the vacant WBA world light flyweight title—previously held by Kenshiro Teraji (BMB)—by defeating Nader Valdez of Mexico (14 wins, 11 KOs, 2 losses, 2 draws) by unanimous decision over 12 rounds, thus becoming a two-division world champion.
Nicknamed “Mini Pacquiao,” Erick Rosa stands at 160 cm tall with a reach of 165 cm. A southpaw with impressive speed and technique, he carries the hopes of the Dominican Republic. While he is indeed fast and skillful in the ring, he lacks the punching power implied by his nickname. In fact, he was knocked down in the bout against Saludar, which exposed some vulnerability when taking punches.
His two fights since moving up to the light flyweight division were not as one-sided as the scorecards suggested, raising questions about his power and durability at this weight. Still, he is not an opponent who can be easily broken down.
Takami has been observed in several fights, and he tends to perform better against stronger opponents. He has yet to show any significant flaws in the ring. Ringside observers and seasoned fans alike have been heard saying, “Takami is the real deal.”
Having dedicated himself to boxing since childhood, Takami now faces a formidable test in Rosa, an elite fighter carrying the expectations of his country. It will be his first world title challenge against a top-tier opponent. The official announcement of this highly anticipated bout is eagerly awaited.
I’ve been watching Takami since his elementary school matches, and I was captivated by his overwhelming natural talent. I have high hopes for him!
This article has been translated and published with permission from BOXING MASTER.
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