This Saturday’s showdown between Japan’s Kenshiro Teraji and Mexico’s Willibaldo Garcia Perez will be the first of three title fights, and promises to be a gritty affair at the Mohammed Abdo Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

This 12-round bout is for Garcia Perez’s IBF World Junior Bantamweight title, adding high stakes to what could be a defining moment for both fighters.

With Teraji looking to rebound from a recent setback and Garcia Perez riding a hot streak as the defending champion, this fight embodies the classic narrative of challenger versus incumbent in one of boxing’s most competitive weight classes.

Breakdown of the Fighters

Kenshiro Teraji , at 33 years old, Teraji—nicknamed “The Amazing Boy”—brings a wealth of championship pedigree to the ring. Standing at about 5’5” with an orthodox stance, he’s compiled a professional record of 25 wins, 2 losses, and 0 draws, with 16 of those victories coming by knockout (a 64% KO rate). Teraji’s career has been marked by dominance in the light flyweight division (108 pounds), where he held the WBC title from 2017 to 2021 and unified multiple belts, showcasing his technical prowess, sharp counterpunching, and devastating power in both hands. The son of former Japanese champion Hisashi Teraji, he’s no stranger to pressure, having defended titles in high-profile bouts across Japan and internationally.  

However, Teraji is stepping up to super flyweight (115 pounds) for this fight, a move that could test his adaptability. His most recent outing was a loss to Ricardo Rafael Sandoval on July 30, 2025, which snapped a winning streak and raised questions about his form at higher weights.

Teraji strengths include his elite footwork, ring IQ, and the ability to break down opponents over rounds. 

Weaknesses: The weight jump might sap some of his speed, and at 33, recovery from that recent defeat will be key. Teraji’s experience in unification fights gives him an edge in managing big moments, but he’ll need to avoid Garcia Perez’s aggressive pressure early on.

As for Willibaldo Garcia Perez, the 36-year-old champ, known as “Buscara,” enters as the defending IBF champion with a record of 23 wins, 6 losses, and 2 draws, including 13 knockouts (a 56% KO rate).

Hailing from Mexico and fighting out of an orthodox stance at 5’4″, he’s a battle-tested veteran who’s turned his career around after early struggles. Garcia Perez captured the IBF super flyweight title on May 23, 2025, and is currently on a nine-fight winning streak, proving his resilience and power against solid competition. His style is that of a classic Mexican pressure fighter: Forward-marching, volume punching, and a willingness to trade in the pocket, which has led to those 13 KOs.  

Garcia Perez’s path hasn’t been smooth—his six losses include decisions against top contenders, highlighting vulnerabilities in defense and stamina against elite boxers. Strengths: Relentless aggression, body work that wears down foes, and championship experience at 115 pounds where he feels most comfortable. Weaknesses: Older age could mean slower reflexes, and his record suggests he can be outboxed by technically superior opponents like Teraji. If he can’t impose his will early, he risks fading in the later rounds.

This matchup pits Teraji’s precision and experience against Garcia Perez’s grit and power. Expect Teraji to use his footwork to circle and counter, while Garcia Perez will look to close distance and turn it into a brawl. The weight class shift adds intrigue. Will Teraji’s power carry up?

The Official Pick

While Teraji’s superior technique and championship savvy prevails early on in a competitive scrap. The Japanese star wilts under the pressure and fire power of Garcia Perez.  I take the champ Garcia in a contested split decision. 

Where to watch

The fight is available on DAZN PPV worldwide, with streaming options tailored to regions. In the US, it’s priced at $69.99 for the single card or bundled with DAZN Ultimate subscriptions ($44.99/month with a 12-month commitment or $449.99/year). UK viewers can access it for £19.99 per card or via similar Ultimate plans (£22.99/month or £229.99/year). Download the DAZN app on devices like PC, Apple, Android, Fire TV, Roku, or Smart TV for live viewing starting around 4:00 AM ET (9:00 AM GMT).

By Vincent

Photo Courtesy of Ring Magazine