An unforgettable spectacle took place in the main event of the Teiken Promotions card, organized by Akihiko Honda at the Kokugikan in Tokyo. Japanese fighters Kenshiro Teraji and Seigo Yuri Akui, the WBC and WBA flyweight world champions respectively, waged war over twelve fiery rounds in a sensational title unification bout. Teraji emerged victorious in the final round, sealing a technical knockout with an incredible late surge while trailing on two of the three official scorecards. The fight was so thrilling that it will undoubtedly be one of the leading candidates for the 2025 Fight of the Year award.
After a tentative opening round in which both fighters relied heavily on their jabs, keeping their guards high to protect their faces, Akui was the first to step on the gas. In the second and third rounds, the WBA champion significantly increased his offensive output, doubling up on his punches with conviction and gaining the upper hand over his opponent.
From the fourth round onward, however, Teraji abandoned the unusually cautious approach he had adopted early on. He embraced the all-out war initiated by his rival, responding blow for blow to Akui’s relentless attacks.
The result was four rounds of nonstop action, fought at an infernal pace with no respite. Every combination thrown by one fighter was immediately answered by the other, making it incredibly difficult for the three judges to score the rounds after each bell.
After a slightly less intense eighth round, Kenshiro Teraji adjusted his strategy for the second time in the fight. He began utilizing lateral movement and embraced the role of a counterpuncher, “punishing” Akui’s aggression with sharp, unexpected shots from various angles.
As Akui tried to cut off the ring and withstand Teraji’s heavy counters, he gradually burned through his remaining energy. By the time the twelfth and final round arrived, he was completely exhausted.
Teraji’s relentless assault became increasingly overwhelming until referee Katsuhiko Nakamura stepped in to stop the fight, declaring a technical knockout. At first glance, the stoppage might have seemed premature, but upon observing Akui’s face and demeanor after the fight was halted, it was evident that the referee had made the right decision. The defeated fighter was utterly drained and collapsed to the canvas moments after the stoppage, unable to remain on his feet due to the immense effort and punishment he had endured.
Kenshiro Teraji thus secured yet another spectacular victory in his thrilling career, establishing himself as one of the finest fighters of this era in the lighter weight divisions. It remains to be seen whether the Japanese champion will continue his quest for complete flyweight title unification or move up in weight for a new challenge. Either way, we can be sure that he will continue to put on a show!