Undefeated bantamweight contender Katsuma Akitsugi is set for a major milestone in his career after a new co-promotional agreement between ProBox TV and Teiken Promotions.
The announcement was made by ProBoxTV CEO and founder Garry Jonas and Teiken Promotions president Akihiko Honda, confirming that the rising bantamweight contender will now compete under both promotional banners.
Akitsugi (14-0, 4 KOs) currently holds rankings across all four major sanctioning bodies, sitting No. 5 with the IBF, No. 8 with the WBO, No. 12 with the WBC, and No. 14 with the WBA, making him one of the top contenders in the 118-pound division.
From Japan to the United States
Despite being born in Wakayama, Japan, Akitsugi has built his entire professional boxing career in the United States.
The 28-year-old arrived in America more than a decade ago on a student visa and continued to pursue boxing while studying. His dedication eventually led him to trainer Eddie Hernandez at the renowned Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California.
Working together, Hernandez and Akitsugi transformed the southpaw from a promotionally unaffiliated opponent into a rising contender. After signing with ProBoxTV two years ago, Akitsugi began appearing regularly on the platform’s broadcasts, quickly gaining recognition for his aggressive style and fan-friendly performances.
Now ranked by all four major sanctioning bodies, the unbeaten fighter has become a growing favorite among boxing fans around the world.
Homecoming Fight Set for Tokyo
The new partnership with Teiken Promotions will finally give Akitsugi the opportunity to fight in front of his home country.
He is scheduled to make his promotional debut under the Teiken/ProBox banners on April 11, when he faces Mexico’s Jose Miguel Calderon (14-3, 6 KOs) at the historic Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo.
The bout will mark Akitsugi’s long-awaited homecoming appearance, allowing Japanese fans to see the rising contender compete live as he begins his push toward a world title shot.
“I’m very honored to be fighting for Teiken Promotions, which I never imagined,” said Katsuma Akitsugi. “This definitely brings me closer to becoming a champion and doing it at home, in front of my Japanese people. I couldn’t be happier or more excited for this opportunity.”
Teiken Promotions’ Historic Legacy
Founded in 1964, Teiken Promotions has grown into one of the most influential forces in Japanese boxing.
Under Honda’s leadership, the organization has promoted or worked with numerous world champions and elite fighters, including undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue, as well as notable champions such as Masao Oba, Jiro Watanabe, Jorge Linares, Edwin Valero, and Roman Gonzalez.
The promotion has also hosted historic boxing events, including two bouts featuring former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson—one of which was his famous upset loss to Buster Douglas.
Honda believes Akitsugi has the ability to follow in the footsteps of those champions.
“Katsuma Akitsugi has developed into one of the best Japanese fighters and is a serious championship contender in the 118-lb. division,” said Akihiko Honda. “We are excited to bring him home and showcase him in front of his people. Garry Jonas and his ProBoxTV platform have done a great job developing this fighter and we look forward to partnering with them.”
ProBoxTV Welcomes the Collaboration
Jonas also expressed excitement about the partnership and what it means for the rising contender’s career.
“We’re very excited to be partnering with Teiken as it relates to working with Akitsugi,” said Garry Jonas. “Teiken has been a leader for many years and there’s no one better to work with on this.”
“I’m also very happy for Katsuma,” he continued. “Ever since he came here, it’s been a dream of his to go back and fight in Japan, and to do so on their biggest stage with Teiken Promotions has him thrilled about this development.”
With an undefeated record and growing world rankings, Akitsugi’s upcoming bout in Tokyo could mark the beginning of a serious world championship run in the bantamweight division.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s also the main photographer for the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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