Earlier today it was announced that Japanese amateur trio
Sewon Okazawa,
Shudai Harada, and
Raito Kataoka would be joining the Ohashi Gym. Initially that may lead some to believe the exceptionally trio will be joining the professional ranks, however that’s not the case, at least not yet.
Instead the trio will be retaining their amateur status and will be training at the Ohashi Gym, receiving support from the gym and broadcaster Lemino, with the aim being that it will help them compete at, and potentially medal at, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The announcement, made at a press conference, saw Hideyuki Ohahsi, the Chairman of the Ohashi gym and a former world champion himself, explain "Ohashi Gym exists today thanks to amateurs,"
At the event Okazawa, a close friend of Ohashi Gym fighter
Andy Hiraoka (24-0, 19) [平岡アンディ], stated "It's only good that Ohashi Gym, which has a long history and proven track record, can provide me with a training environment.". Harada, who has sparred with
undisputed Super Bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue (28-0, 25) [井上尚弥] the current top dog at the Ohashi Gym, stated "I'm no longer afraid of anyone," adding "I respect Naoya's human qualities," and explained "I was disappointed in Paris, so I want to win the gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics."
As for Kataoka, he explained "I've been coming to Ohashi Gym to train since I was little," and added "When I was debating whether to go professional or amateur, I consulted with Chairman Ohashi, who advised me to aim for the Olympics,". It’s worth noting that Ohashi himself stated, "It's tough because it only happens once every four years, but if you have the chance, you should aim for it."
Given all 3 are staying amateur, for now, it does make it clear that the trio won’t be making their professional debuts any time soon, however it does seem likely when the trio do turn professional either if they fail to qualify for the LA Olympics or after it, Ohashi will likely be the ones they turn professional with.
