Masamichi Yabuki is right at home – literally and figuratively – this holiday season.
The all-action two-division and current IBF 112lbs titlist is both grateful and eager for the chance to defend his title in front of his adoring fans. Yabuki, 18-4 (17 KOs), is set to take on former IBF 108lbs titlist Felix Alvarado atop an ABEMA-TV pay-per-view event Saturday from Aichi Sky Expo in Tokoname, Japan.
Initial plans called for a road trip to Mexico when Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions won the purse bid on behalf of Alvarado. However, the event reversed course, providing Yabuki with the chance for his first title defense, which will be staged barely 40 minutes from his Nagoya hometown.
“I’m comfortable fighting anywhere, whether it’s overseas or elsewhere,” Yabuki told BoxingScene. “That said, having so many supporters in Japan gives me a lot of confidence and strength.”
The extra 4lbs in weight has literally provided Yabuki with more strength.
It was on display in his title-winning effort over Angel Ayala earlier this year. Yabuki, 33, was at his most dominant in a 12th-round knockout this past March 29 at this very arena. It followed his October 2024 IBF 108lbs title-snatching stoppage win over Sivenathi Nontshinga, also at Aichi Sky Expo, but in what served as his final fight at the weight.
Yabuki – also a former WBC 108lbs titlist following his stunning September 2021 knockout win over Kenshiro Teraji – entered the Ayala fight with the IBF junior flyweight belt still in his possession. He decided soon after his win that the 112lbs division was more befitting his 5ft, 5½ins frame.
“Making weight has become a bit easier for me,” Yabuki admitted. “There are many strong opponents in this division, which keeps me motivated and challenged.”
For now, the focus is on Nicaragua’s Alvarado (42-4 35 KOs), whom Yabuki knew was in his future once he signed on to challenge for the IBF flyweight title. The bout was approved by the IBF on the condition that the winner would next face Alvarado as its mandatory challenger.
With a win, the door is wide open for at least one more title opportunity in 2026. Accompanying Yabuki atop the division are unified WBA/WBC titlist Ricardo Sandoval, 27-2 (18 KOs), and red-hot WBO beltholder Anthony Olascuaga, 11-1 (8 KOs). The pair of California-based talents both have wiggle room for a voluntary defense, as will Yabuki with a win on Saturday.
Even as he only desires big fights from here on out at this stage of his storied career, Yabuki has not discounted the possibility of pursuing a run at a third divisional title.
First things first, however.
“Right now, my only focus is on defeating a tough opponent in Alvarado,” noted Yabuki, though he at least offered a glimpse into his desired year ahead. “If I’m able to win, I’d like to pursue a unification bout and possibly move up in weight.”
