Kenshiro Teraji, the unified WBA and WBC junior flyweight titleholder, has vacated his titles to move to the flyweight division. Teraji is reportedly targeting the now-vacant flyweight title recently relinquished by Julio Cesar Martinez, according to ESPN’s Salvador Rodriguez.
Teraji (23-1, 14 KOs), 32, claimed the WBC junior flyweight title in 2017 but was knocked out by Masamichi Yabuki in 2021. He avenged that loss in an immediate rematch in 2022. Over his career, Teraji has made 12 successful world title defenses, including unifying the junior flyweight titles against Hiroto Kyoguchi, whom he TKO’d in the seventh round, and most recently winning a majority decision over Carlos Canizales on January 23.
This move marks Teraji’s transition to his second weight division, having fought exclusively at junior flyweight throughout his career.
Angel Ayala, the number-one contender, has been ordered to face Dave Apolinario for the vacant IBF title. The title was vacated by Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, who recently moved up in weight. If Ayala fights Apolinario, Francisco Rodriguez Jr., currently ranked as the No. 2 contender, could be a future opponent for Teraji for the vacant title.
