Hiroto Kyoguchi will return to the ring on Tuesday to defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Flyweight Super Championship against Thanongsak Simsri at the Osaka Intex Arena in Osaka, Japan.

The 108-pound champion will fight for the first time in more than a year. He last entered the ring in October 2019, when he defeated his countryman Tetsuya Hisada by unanimous decision.

The pause caused by the pandemic had denied the 26-year-old fighter the possibility of a new defense until now that he will meet the Thai in a duel of undefeated boxers. Kyoguchi has been WBA Super Champion since December 2018 when he snatched the title from South African Hekkie Budler. Since then, he has made two successful defenses and is one of the most important exponents of the division.

For his part, Simsri, a young man of only 20 years old, will have his first world title shot. The native of Sisaket had the opportunity to fight in February this year, so he is supposed to arrive with a little more rhythm compared to the champion.

On Monday, they will step on the scale to mark the 108 pounds required by the division to be ready for Tuesday’s fight. Kyoguchi has a record of 14 wins, no losses and 9 KOs, while Simsri has the same record, but with 12 KOs.