By Miguel Rivera

Luis Nery may have to consider a jump in weight, because the boxer was very overweight for Thursday's rematch with Shinsuke Yamanaka, which takes place in Tokyo, Japan.

Nery first stepped on the scale and was 123-pounds, which is five pounds over the bantamweight limit of 118-pounds.

After two hours of sweating down to make the division limit, he came back and weighed in at 121-pounds - which then saw him get stripped of the title.

For his part, Yamanaka came in a half pound under at 117.5 pounds.

If Yamanaka will win the contest, then he is declared the new world champion. If he loses or they fight to a draw, then the WBC crown will be vacant.

After a five year reign and 12 successful defenses, Yamanaka (27-1-2, 19 KOs) was knocked out in four rounds by Nery who overpowered the then 35-year-old champion in August of 2017 in a Mexican feat in the Far East.

A rematch was ordered after Nery tested positive for a banned substance.

Because the banned substance is often found in contaminated meat in Mexico, the WBC allowed him to retain the world title on the condition that he fights Yamanaka next.

The Japanese icon actually retired from boxing after his loss to Nery, but changed his mind after being given the opportunity to win the belt back - and also because of the positive drug test result.

"I will fight with my heart, for my family, for my country, for honor, I can not resign myself to see my belt on the other side of the table with the Mexican, on Thursday I will recover it," expressed Yamanaka.

While Nery (25-0, 19 KOs) promised to pull off yet another knockout victory to erase any doubts from the first contest.

"I'm better prepared, with more motivation, the only plan I have is to knock Yamanaka out again," said the 23-year-old.