Former K-1 champion Yoshiki Takei (8-0, 8 KO) has worked his way up the ranks, and after only eight boxing fights, he has earned his shot at WBO Bantamweight gold against reigning world champion Jason Moloney (27-2, 19 KO). The two are scheduled to meet on May 6 in Tokyo, Japan.
After dominating the Super Bantamweight (-55KG) division in K-1, the Japanese fighter announced his retirement from kickboxing n 2021 in his quest for two-sports greatness. Three years, and eight fights, wins and knockouts later, he's getting his wish granted on the biggest stage possible – the 55,000 people capacity Tokyo Dome. The bout will feature on the undercard to Naoya Inoue's Super Bantamweight title defense against Luis Nery.
Moloney is set for his second defense of his WBO title. The 33-year-old Australian secured the vacant belt in May of last year by outpointing Vincent Astrolabio. He then clinched a hard-fought victory over Saul Sanchez in a back-and-forth war in January.
The event will mark boxing's first return to the Tokyo Dome since Mike Tyson's infamous knockout loss to Buster Douglas on February 11, 1990 – 34 years ago!
