Akui hopes for a hometown defense in 2025
Yesterday at the Tokyo Dome we saw 4 world title fights. The first of those saw WBA Flyweight champion Seigo Yuri Akui (20-2-1, 11) [阿久井政悟] record his first defense of the title, as he scored a wide decision win over game challenger Taku Kuwahara (13-2, 8) [桑原拓]. Earlier today Akui, sporting sun glasses glasses to hide a swollen right eye, took part in a press conference at the Teiken Gym in Tokyo.
He explained that despite the swelling “My body didn't hurt as much as the last match, so I was able to sleep well”. Regarding how he fought, he seemed to feel that whilst his win was impressive, there were areas to improve on, noting "I need to strengthen my defense", though he did seem happy about how the bout went overall.
Notably he seemed to be impressed by the improvements made by Kuwhara, citing “In the first round, I received a punch that shook my brain, even though it was from above my guard, so I felt a power-up.” Despite an improved Kuwahara, he also seemed to feel he had improved, and went on to say “I wanted to eliminate any reason for him to want a rematch”.
Despite putting on a very solid performance Moriyasu Kurashiki Gym chairman, essentially Akui's promoter, Tatsuya Moriyasu, did have something of a mixed review of his fighter. He explained “It was good that he used his left hand to press, however, I wanted more combinations and moves”.
Moriyasu also explained that Akui will remain something of a road fighter for now, stating “His next match will not be in Okayama”, and in fact Akui hasn’t fought at home in Okayama since February 2022, instead fighting in Tokyo and Osaka during that time. Whilst his next bout won’t be in Okayama, Moriyasu did add “I'm hoping to be able to hold it in Okayama next year”, something that Akui obviously wants to do as well.
Whilst a homecoming bout is off the table for now, Akui doesn’t have plans to rely on his laurels saying “I want to have a championship unification fight or a big match.” Before those however, he's planning some family time and some relaxation, with a family trip to Disneyland seemingly on the table, along with spending time with his two young children.
[Ed's note - We're aware that many outside of Japan don't realise the size of the country, but Tokyo to Okayama is about 410 miles. In terms of distance it's similar to Glasgow to London, or New York City to Cleveland]
He explained that despite the swelling “My body didn't hurt as much as the last match, so I was able to sleep well”. Regarding how he fought, he seemed to feel that whilst his win was impressive, there were areas to improve on, noting "I need to strengthen my defense", though he did seem happy about how the bout went overall.
Notably he seemed to be impressed by the improvements made by Kuwhara, citing “In the first round, I received a punch that shook my brain, even though it was from above my guard, so I felt a power-up.” Despite an improved Kuwahara, he also seemed to feel he had improved, and went on to say “I wanted to eliminate any reason for him to want a rematch”.
Despite putting on a very solid performance Moriyasu Kurashiki Gym chairman, essentially Akui's promoter, Tatsuya Moriyasu, did have something of a mixed review of his fighter. He explained “It was good that he used his left hand to press, however, I wanted more combinations and moves”.
Moriyasu also explained that Akui will remain something of a road fighter for now, stating “His next match will not be in Okayama”, and in fact Akui hasn’t fought at home in Okayama since February 2022, instead fighting in Tokyo and Osaka during that time. Whilst his next bout won’t be in Okayama, Moriyasu did add “I'm hoping to be able to hold it in Okayama next year”, something that Akui obviously wants to do as well.
Whilst a homecoming bout is off the table for now, Akui doesn’t have plans to rely on his laurels saying “I want to have a championship unification fight or a big match.” Before those however, he's planning some family time and some relaxation, with a family trip to Disneyland seemingly on the table, along with spending time with his two young children.
[Ed's note - We're aware that many outside of Japan don't realise the size of the country, but Tokyo to Okayama is about 410 miles. In terms of distance it's similar to Glasgow to London, or New York City to Cleveland]