Earlier today the IBF ordered a mandatory title defense for their Light Flyweight champion Sivenathi Nontshinga (13-1, 10) and, with the once beaten South African being ordered to defend his title against IBF #2 ranked fighter Masamichi Yabuki (16-4, 15) [佐藤政道]. Yabuki, a former WBC champion, has managed to land this potential fight as IBF #1 ranked fighter Christian Araneta (24-2, 19), from the Philippines, is injured.
For the champion the bout will be his first defense of his second reign, having recaptured the title in February by avenging his loss to Adrian Curiel. His first reign as the champion saw him make a single successful defense, before suffering a huge upset loss to Curiel in 2023. As for Yabuki the bout gives him a chance to become a 2-time world champion, having won the WBC title in September 2021, when he beat Kenshiro Teraji, though his reign was short and he lost in a rematch to Kenshiro just 5 months later. Since losing the WBC title Yabuki has picked up 3 wins, all by stoppage, with the most recent coming in March against Kevin Vivas.
The two parties have been told by the IBF that they have until July 19th to agree a deal, or the bout will go to purse bids.
