Sports
Eduardo Nunez and Masanori Rikiishi Make Weight, Set Stage for Explosive IBF Title Showdown in Yokohama
Unbeaten knockout artist Nunez meets Japanese southpaw Rikiishi for the vacant IBF junior lightweight crown — a clash destined to deliver fireworks in front of a home crowd.
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN — The anticipation is electric in Yokohama as Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez and Masanori Rikiishi officially made weight for their high-stakes clash on Wednesday night at the BUNTAI Arena, where the vacant IBF junior lightweight title will finally find a new owner.
Nunez, Mexico’s hard-hitting super featherweight with a 27-1 (27 KOs) record, tipped the scales at 129.4lbs, while his Japanese rival Rikiishi, known for his fierce southpaw style, came in just slightly heavier at 129.6lbs. Both fighters looked sharp, focused, and ready to make history in what promises to be a headlining war of wills.
The Los Mochis-born Nunez has waited patiently for this moment. Initially scheduled to face former titleholder Anthony Cacace, the bout never materialized after Cacace vacated his belt to pursue a different fight. Since then, Nunez has remained relatively inactive, fighting just once since October 2023. But that lone outing was telling — a commanding stoppage of seasoned Colombian Miguel Marriaga, a feat neither Oscar Valdez nor Michael Conlan could accomplish.
“I’ve been ready. I’ve been hungry,” Nunez told reporters. “It’s time to bring that belt back to Mexico.”
But standing in his way is Masanori Rikiishi, a local warrior with a 16-1 (11 KOs) record, who has quietly built momentum with five straight knockouts. His most notable victory came on foreign soil when he stunned Italy’s Michael Magnesi with a final-round KO while trailing on the cards. Back in Japan, he’s since bulldozed through Arnel Baconaje, proving he’s more than ready for this career-defining moment.
With a three-and-a-half-inch height and reach advantage, the Yokohama-based southpaw could pose serious problems for Nunez — especially in the latter rounds if the Mexican bruiser fails to end the fight early.
Experts predict a tense, back-and-forth affair. Nunez’s terrifying knockout streak will be put to the test by Rikiishi’s technical prowess, composure, and roaring hometown crowd. While the visiting Mexican remains the favorite on paper, several observers, including Boxing News, are tipping Rikiishi to edge a close decision victory in what could be the fight of the year contender.
Wednesday night won’t just crown a new champion — it may well redefine the future of the junior lightweight division.