The World Boxing Association has decreed that Ryoichi Taguchi must defend his WBA World light flyweight title against Ryo Miyazaki. If an agreement isn’t reached within 30 days from June 7, the fight will go to purse bid.

Twenty-nine-year-old Taguchi is a 10-year pro who fights out of Tokyo (24-2-1, 11 KOs). He won the title in December 2014 by beating Alberto Rossel via unanimous decision. He’s successfully defended his belt three times, most recently this April, retiring Juan Jose Landaeta in the 11th. Although Taguchi has lost twice, he’s never been stopped.

His 27-year-old opponent, who fights out of Osaka, is also a 10-year pro (24-1-3, 15 KOs). He won the vacant WBA World minimumweight title in December 2012 by beating Pornsawan Porpramook via split decision. He twice successfully defended his belt before vacating it in December 2013 when he moved up to light flyweight. His sole loss came that month, knocked out by Fahlan Sakkreerin Jr. in the third. First-ranked by the WBA, Miyazaki last fought this past December, knocking out Thongchai Chaiyonggym in the third.

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.