This Sunday, October 13, 2024, Spanish Boxing will hold its breath as Jairo Noriega steps into the ring against Japan’s Shokichi Iwata for the vacant WBO Minimum Weight Title. With the potential to become Spain’s 12th World Champion, Noriega‘s journey to this high-stakes matchup has been nothing short of remarkable.
Noriega’s Journey to the Title Shot
Jairo Noriega, a 31-year-old boxer from Villarreal, Spain, is making waves in the boxing world with an impressive record of 14 wins, No Losses, and 3 knockouts (KOs). His journey to prominence began in 2022 when he claimed the European Flyweight Title after a unanimous decision victory over Ángel Moreno. Building on this momentum, Noriega continued to showcase his talent by defeating Gerson Larios in 2023, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the sport.
In 2024, Noriega expanded his horizons by competing internationally, securing the Latin American Minimum Weight Title in Nicaragua against Azael Villar. This victory not only marked a significant milestone in his career but also earned him a coveted opportunity: a shot at the world title in Asia. Noriega‘s dedication and skill have positioned him for this high-stakes matchup, where he hopes to elevate his status on the global boxing stage.
This Sunday, October 13, 2024, Noriega will face off against Japan’s Shokichi Iwata for the vacant WBO World Light Flyweight Title. With Iwata holding a record of 13 Wins and 1 Loss, this bout promises to be an exciting clash of talent and determination. As boxing fans eagerly await this showdown, Noriega is determined to bring home a world championship title for Spain, potentially making him the country’s Twelfth World Champion in the sport.
Iwata’s Road to Redemption
Shokichi Iwata, a 28-year-old Japanese Boxer, comes into this matchup with a record of 13 wins, 1 loss, and 10 knockouts (KOs). His only defeat was a unanimous decision loss to Jonathan González for the world title in November 2022. Since that setback, Iwata has bounced back with Four consecutive knockout victories, reestablishing himself in the WBO rankings and earning another shot at the championship.
Iwata‘s passion for Boxing ignited at the age of 9 after meeting combat sports legend Norifumi Yamamoto. He began boxing in middle school and quickly made a name for himself, winning the U-15 national tournament and achieving significant victories in high school against notable opponents like Takuma Inoue and Kosei Tanaka. After high school, he continued his education at Waseda University, where he pursued a degree in sports sciences.
Turning professional in December 2018, Iwata made an immediate impact by knocking out Joel Bermudez in his debut. He went on to capture the OPBF and WBO Asia Pacific Light-Flyweight Titles in 2022. After his title challenge against González, Iwata secured impressive victories against Jerome Baloro, Jayson Brillo, and Rene Mark Cuarto, demonstrating his resilience and determination to reclaim the world title.
When and Where to Watch
The clash between Noriega and Iwata will take place on Sunday, October 13, 2024. The main card is set to begin at 10:00 AM local time in Spain, with Noriega’s bout expected to kick off around 11:00 AM.
Viewing Options:
Fans in Spain can catch all the action on Max (streaming) and Eurosport 2 (TV), broadcasting the entire card live from Tokyo.
The Significance of This Fight
If successful, Noriega would not only claim the WBO Minimum Weight Title but also etch his name in the annals of Spanish Boxing History as the nation’s 12th World Champion. The last Spanish fighter to hold a world title was Kiko Martínez, who won the IBF Featherweight Title in 2021 but lost it in his first defense.
This upcoming bout is more than just a title fight; it represents the culmination of hard work, dedication, and the unwavering spirit of a fighter determined to carve out his legacy in the sport.
Complete Card for the Event
- Jairo Noriega vs. Shokichi Iwata : WBO Minimum Weight title
- Takuma Inoue vs. Seiya Tsutsumi : WBA Bantamweight Title
- Cristofer Rosales vs. Kenshiro Teraji : WBC Flyweight Title
- Seigo Yuri Akui vs. Thananchai Charunphak : WBA Flyweight title
- Ryuga Sato vs. Asato Sato : Bantamweight Division
With such a stacked lineup, this event promises to deliver an unforgettable night of boxing, showcasing not only Noriega’s talents but also the rich history and competitiveness of the sport.
Conclusion
As the date draws near, anticipation builds for Jairo Noriega’s title challenge against Shokichi Iwata. Fans across Spain and around the world will be eager to witness if Noriega can seize this golden opportunity to bring home a world title and solidify his place in Boxing history.
