(July 31, 2023) – Japan’s unified WBC/WBA light flyweight world champion Kenshiro Teraji will defend his titles against South African two-division world champion Hekkie Budler on Monday, September 18, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
 
In the co-feature, undefeated Japanese southpaw Junto Nakatani makes the first defense of his WBO junior bantamweight world title against Mexican contender Argi Cortes.
 
Teraji-Budler, Nakatani-Cortes and additional undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. in the early morning hours on ESPN+.
 
Teraji (21-1, 13 KOs) earned his first world title by defeating Ganigan Lopez for the WBC 108-pound strap in May 2018. He made eight defenses before losing the belt via 10^th-round TKO against Masamichi Yabuki in September 2021. The 31-year-old avenged his lone defeat by stopping Yabuki in the third round of their March 2022 rematch to regain the title. Teraji then stopped Hiroto Kyoguchi last November in the seventh round to unify the WBC and WBA titles. He defended his unified championship with a ninth-round TKO against then-unbeaten contender Anthony Olascuaga in April. 
 
Budler (35-4, 11 KOs) captured the WBA minimumweight world title with a first-round knockout win against Karluis Diaz in March 2014. He made four defenses before losing the belt to Byron Rojas in March 2016. Two years later, he decisioned Ryoichi Taguchi to capture the WBA and IBF light flyweight titles. He vacated his IBF strap and lost the WBA title in his first defense, a 10^th-round TKO loss to Hiroto Kyguchi in December 2018. The 35-year-old veteran is 3-0 since losing his title, including a decision win over former WBO champ Elwin Soto.
 
Nakatani (25-0, 19 KOs) won the vacant WBO flyweight world title in November 2020 with an eighth-round knockout against Giemel Magramo. He defended it twice, defeating Angel Acosta in four rounds and knocking out Ryota Yamauchi in eight. He moved up to junior bantamweight and captured the WBO crown with a highlight-reel knockout against former WBA champ Andrew Moloney in May. Cortes (25-3-2, 10 KOs) is a nine-year pro who nearly upset Juan Francisco Estrada in a fiercely-contested September 2022 showdown. Cortes is coming off a 10-round majority decision win over Adolfo Castillo Gonzalez in March.

In other streaming action from Tokyo:

• Former multi-division kickboxing world champion Tenshin Nasukawa (1-0) will return in an eight-round Junior featherweight battle against undefeated Mexican Juan Flores Aceves (9-0, 7 KOs). Nasukawa made his pro boxing debut in April with a six-round decision win over Yuki Yonaha, while Aceves is coming off an eighth-round TKO against then-unbeaten  Adolfo Perez Lopez in June.
   
• Anthony Olascuaga (5-1, 3 KOs), from Los Angeles, looks to bounce back from his defeat to Teraji in an eight-round light flyweight battle against Filipino former world title challenger Giemel Magramo (28-3, 23 KOs).

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Juan Francisco Estrada tuned up for a his trilogy fight by winning a tougher then expected 12-round unanimous decision over Argi Cortes to retain the WBC Super Flyweight title in Hermosillo, Mexico.

In the first few rounds, the two provided some action packed exchanges with both guys giving as good as they received. After four-rounds, the open scoring had the fight even as each fighter was ahead on a scorecard and third was even at 38-38. In round five Estrada began to bleed from his nose after Cortes landed a big right hand.

In round seven, Estrada dropped Cortes with a left to the body. The two battled down the stretch with Cortes showing a ton of grit and heart as he battled the champion punch for punch. Estrada was able to eek out the victory by scores of 115-112 twice and 114-113.

Estrada is now 43-3. Cortes of Mexico City is 23-3-2.

After the fight it was announced that Estrada will take on Roman Gonzalez in their trilogy fight on December 3rd on DAZN.

Cruz Decisions Mrdjenovich in Rematch; Retains Featherweight Title in Rematch

Erika Cruz retained the WBA Featherweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over former campion Jelena Mrdjenovich in a rematch.

Cruz, 125 3/4 lbs of Mexico won by shutout scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 15-1. Mrdjenovich, 125 lbs of Edmonton, ALB, CAN is 41-12-2.

Nontshinga Decisions Flores to Win IBF Light Flyweight Title in Classic War

Sivenathi Nontshinga captures the IBF Junior Flyweight title with a 12-round split decision over Hector Flores in a bloody war.

In round two, Nonthshinga dropped Flores with a left hook. In round five, Flores started to bleed from his forehead from an accidental headbutt.

The two stood toe-to-toe in the pocket and just wailed away on each other for basically 36 minutes.

In the end the knockdown was the difference as Nonthshinga won by scores of 116-111 and 114-113. Flores took a card a 115-112.

Nonthshinga, 107.6 lbs of South Africa is 11-0. Flores of Mexico is 20-1-4.

Eduardo Hernandez stops Mata in 5

Eduardo Hernandez stopped Jorge Mata in round five of a scheduled 10-round battle of junior lightweights.

In round four, Mata began to swell on the left side of his head.  In round five, Hernandez dropped Mata and the fight was stopped shortly after at 1:15.

Hernandez, 129.6 lbs of Mexico City is 33-1 with 30 knockouts.  Mata, 129.4 lbs of Tonora, MEX is 14-1-2,

Juan Francisco Estrada is ‘excited’ to be back in action and ready to put on a show when he defends his WBC Franchise and Ring Magazine World Super-Flyweight titles against Argi Cortes on Saturday September 3 from Centro de Usos Multiples in Hermosillo, Mexico and broadcast live to all subscribers worldwide on DAZN.
 
Estrada (42-3 28 KOs) makes a welcome return to action almost 18 months after edging out Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez in their epic rematch in Dallas in March 2021. ‘El Gallo’ welcomes Cortes to his hometown and the same arena he stopped Dewayne Beamon in August 2019, and the Hermosillo hero will want to put on another show for his fans. Cortes (23-2-2 10 KOs) lands the biggest fight of his career in his 28^th pro outing, with the Mexico City man aiming upset his fellow countryman and become a household name overnight.
 
The Super-Flyweight landscape is as exciting as ever, with Chocolatito holding the WBC Diamond strap, up and coming superstar Jesse Rodriguez producing stunning wins over Carlos Cuadras and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai so far this year and a host of talents at 112 and 115lbs itching to test themselves against the best – so 32 year old Estrada is looking to remind the world that he’s the top dog.
 
“I am very excited for this show, where we can finally get into the ring after more than a year without fighting,” said Estrada. “I expect a difficult rival, I know that Argi will arrive very well prepared, and will have a man in the corner who knows everything, everyone, with great experience and achievements like Don Nacho Beristain. 
 
“But we have made a great preparation and that I have enjoyed a lot, because for the first time in six years, I have had a camp without injuries, and that has me very motivated for this fight and whatever comes next. There are so many great fights out there and I cannot wait to return.
 
“I hope the fans join us on Saturday. My fight against Cortés will be a war, and the rest of the fight card will be very competitive and exciting with two more World championships, very good prospects, hometown talent with my teammates here Christian Olivo and Omar Salcido present. It will be a historic event that people cannot miss, I hope to see all my people at the arena.”
 
There are two more World title bouts on the bill, starting with the long-awaited rematch between Erika Cruz and Jelena Mrdjenovich for the WBA World Featherweight title. Cruz (14-1 3 KOs) ripped the title from long-time champion Mrdjenovich (41-11-2 19 KOs) in April 2021, with the Mexican ending the five-year rule of the Canadian on the cards after an accidental headclash halted the contest after seven rounds. Cruz successfully defended the belt in Puerto Vallarta in November via split decision over Melissa Esquivel, while the former champion returns for the first time since the first battle.
 
The vacant IBF World Flyweight title is on the line between unbeaten pair Hector Flores and Sivenathi Nontshinga. Both men taste their first World title action as Tijuana’s Flores (20-0-4 10 KOs) builds on his victory over Welsh World title challenger Jay Harris in Wales in November, while hard-punching Nontshinga (10-0 9 KOs) fights outside his native South Africa for the first time and comes into the bout on the back of his first points win in his tenth bout having beaten his previous nine foes inside the distance.
 
Also featuring on the card is Super-Featherweight dangerman Eduardo Hernandez, defending his WBC Silver International title against Jorge Mata. Hernandez (32-1 29 KOs) pulled off a stunning victory last time out, blitzing Jorge Castaneda inside a round in Guadalajara in June to land the title he defends against Mata (14-0-2 10 KOs), the unbeaten 21 year old Tijuana native who fights for his first pro title.

August 18, 2022 – Juan Francisco Estrada makes his highly anticipated return to the ring defending his WBC Franchise and Ring Magazine World Super-Flyweight titles against Argi Cortes on Saturday September 3 from Centro de Usos Multiples in Hermosillo, Mexico and broadcast live to all subscribers worldwide on DAZN – topping a World title triple-header as Erika Cruz and Jelena Mrdjenovich meet in a rematch for the WBA World Featherweight title rematch and Hector Flores and Sivenathi Nontshinga clash for the vacant IBF World Flyweight title
 
Fans will be thrilled to see Estrada (42-3 28 KOs) make a welcome return to the ring, with the Mexican back through the ropes for the first time since edging out Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez in their epic rematch in Dallas in March 2021. ‘El Gallo’ welcomes Cortes to his hometown and the same arena he stopped Dewayne Beamon in August 2019, and the Hermosillo hero will want to put on another show for his fans. Cortes (23-2-2 10 KOs) lands the biggest fight of his career in his 28^th pro outing, with the Mexico City man aiming upset his fellow countryman and become a household name overnight.
 
There are two more World title bouts on the bill, starting with the long-awaited rematch between Cruz and Mrdjenovich for the WBA World Featherweight title. Cruz (14-1 3 KOs) ripped the title from long-time champion Mrdjenovich (41-11-2 19 KOs) in April 2021, with the Mexican ending the five-year rule of the Canadian on the cards after an accidental headclash halted the contest after seven rounds. Cruz successfully defended the belt in Puerto Vallarta in November via split decision over Melissa Esquivel, while the former champion returns for the first time since the first battle.
 
The vacant IBF World Flyweight title is on the line between unbeaten pair Flores and Nontshinga. Both men taste their first World title action as Tijuana’s Flores (20-0-4 10 KOs) builds on his victory over Welsh World title challenger Jay Harris in Wales in November, while hard-punching Nontshinga (10-0 9 KOs) fights outside his native South Africa for the first time and comes into the bout on the back of his first points win in his tenth bout having beaten his previous nine foes inside the distance.
 
Also featuring on the card is Super-Featherweight dangerman Eduardo Hernandez, defending his WBC Silver International title against Jorge Mata. Hernandez (32-1 29 KOs) pulled off a stunning victory last time out, blitzing Jorge Castaneda inside a round in Guadalajara in June to land the title he defends against Mata (14-0-2 10 KOs), the unbeaten 21 year old Tijuana native who fights for his first pro title.
 
“It’s great to be back and I’m very excited that I’ll get to fight in front of all the Sonoran fans and in front of my growing family,” said Estrada. “Thanks to all those who helped make this happen. Whenever two Mexicans go at it you can always expect a war and this fight against Cortes will be another great Mexican battle in Hermosillo. We’re ready to put on another great show and get back in action to show the fans that El Gallo is one of the best in boxing.”
 
“I’m very excited for this great opportunity to fight Estrada,” said Cortes. “I will give everything I have for the victory; I will surprise the world. I have Mr. Nacho Beristain on my corner and we have a great game plan to defeat a legend like Estrada.”
 
“I am so excited to get back in the ring,” said Cruz. “I want to retire Jelena once it for all and go after the unification fight!”
 
“I’m really excited to get back into the ring again,” said Mrdjenovich. “We have been working hard to put this fight together for some time and I want to thank Eric Gomez for closing the deal finally.  
 
“Training has been fun and exciting again. I am looking forward to coming to Mexico to get my belt back in a big way.”
 
“This is the opportunity that I have always dreamed of, and I will make the most of it,” said Flores. “It gives me more motivation for to bring it to Mexico and with the aim of giving Mexico and Tijuana a new World champion.”
 
“Am looking forward to this contest,” said Nontshinga. “I have been training very hard for this and look forward to becoming World Champion in Mexico.”
 
“I’m in a very good place mentally, emotionally and physically,” said Hernandez. “My team has been keeping me active and that’s all I wanted, God willing after this win I want to take on the biggest names in my division.”
 
“I’m currently at my best and this is a long-waited opportunity for me,” said Mata. “I have a lot of respect for Rocky Hernandez, but this is my time to show the world what I’m made of. I am ready to be at this level, I will win no matter how.”
 
“This is a brilliant line-up for what promises to be another explosive night of action in Mexico,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “It’s great to see Juan Francisco back in the ring at a time when the Super-Flyweight division is just stacked with great fights, and I expect him to lay down a marker as the top dog in Mexico.
 
“Erika and Jelena have been itching to get the rematch on and they will leave it all in the ring, there’s a golden opportunity for either Hector or Sivenathi to take a seat at the top table at 108lbs and ‘Rocky’ Hernandez always brings fireworks when he steps through the ropes. Our shows in Mexico have delivered must-see action from first bell to last, and I expect more of the same on September 3.”
 
“We are thrilled to have Estrada back fighting again on DAZN,” said Joseph Markowski EVP DAZN Group. “He will join some of the biggest names in the sport fighting on DAZN in 2022 with Usyk vs. AJ this Saturday, Canelo vs. GGG trilogy fight on Sept 17, and perhaps the biggest UK fight this decade in Eubank Jr vs. Benn in October. All these and more will be shown live this fall on DAZN.”