All 4 Atomweight titles to be fought for on November 23rd in Germany!
Earlier this month news broke that we’d be getting a triple title unification bout at 102lbs as the WBA/WBC/WBO Atomweight, or Light Minimumweight, titles would be combined in a bout between between Japan's Eri Matsuda (7-1-1, 1) [松田恵里] and Germany's Christina Rupprecht (13-1-1, 3). The bout, set for November 23rd in Heidelberg, Germany, would see Matsuda making her international debut to defend her WBO and WBA titles against the WBC title held by the once beaten Rupprecht.
Earlier this week a press conference took place to announce the bout in Japan, where it was confirmed that not only this bout would be taking place, but that we’d also see the IBF champion on the card, in a major step towards a 4-title unification in the division.
That bout for the IBF title will see unbeaten champion Sumire Yamanaka (8-0, 3) [山中菫] defending her belt for the first time, as she takes on former WBC champion Fabiana Bytyqi (21-1-2, 5), from the Czech Republic, with Bytyqi's only loss coming in Germany to Rupprechy back in January.
At the press conference Matsuda, who wants to be the first undisputed female world champion form Japan, stated "It's been 10 months since I won the world belt in January. I'm grateful to everyone involved and Chairman Toriumi Jun for making such a big match happen. The day after my last fight, Ruprecht's match was the day after, so I was hoping it would be decided at the right time." If she beats Rupprecht she will become the first Japanese female to unify 3 world titles, however she knows it’s a huge ask and clearly respects Rupprecht saying "She's a powerful, compact, all-rounder who hits with a high tempo. She's simply strong." and adding "I think she matches my style. I want to be able to score points more clearly. I'll fight using all the weapons I have."
Yamanaka is also not over-looking her opponent, saying "My opponent is strong, with a lot of experience and technique. I'm nervous about fighting in Germany, but I will definitely defend my title and move on to the next one. Please support me."
As for the potential showdown between the two Matsuda explained "I think that if we continue on this path, it will happen (a four-organization title unification match), but to get there, I will face a strong champion (Ruprecht). I don't have the luxury of thinking about the future. My first goal is to win the match in front of me. If I win the next match, I'll be able to see beyond that."
This is reportedly Matsuda’s first ever bout against a foreign opponent, as either an amateur or professional, and her first bout outside of Japan. Despite that she’s excited about fighting away from home, explaining "I've always wanted to fight overseas. But my goal is not to just fight, but to win. I'll definitely bring all three belts back to Japan." She later went on to say "I'm looking forward to it because I've never done it away from home before. I wonder how people who don't know me will react. I expect a genuine reaction. Winning overseas will increase my value. I want to liven up women's boxing in Japan,"
Earlier this week a press conference took place to announce the bout in Japan, where it was confirmed that not only this bout would be taking place, but that we’d also see the IBF champion on the card, in a major step towards a 4-title unification in the division.
That bout for the IBF title will see unbeaten champion Sumire Yamanaka (8-0, 3) [山中菫] defending her belt for the first time, as she takes on former WBC champion Fabiana Bytyqi (21-1-2, 5), from the Czech Republic, with Bytyqi's only loss coming in Germany to Rupprechy back in January.
At the press conference Matsuda, who wants to be the first undisputed female world champion form Japan, stated "It's been 10 months since I won the world belt in January. I'm grateful to everyone involved and Chairman Toriumi Jun for making such a big match happen. The day after my last fight, Ruprecht's match was the day after, so I was hoping it would be decided at the right time." If she beats Rupprecht she will become the first Japanese female to unify 3 world titles, however she knows it’s a huge ask and clearly respects Rupprecht saying "She's a powerful, compact, all-rounder who hits with a high tempo. She's simply strong." and adding "I think she matches my style. I want to be able to score points more clearly. I'll fight using all the weapons I have."
Yamanaka is also not over-looking her opponent, saying "My opponent is strong, with a lot of experience and technique. I'm nervous about fighting in Germany, but I will definitely defend my title and move on to the next one. Please support me."
As for the potential showdown between the two Matsuda explained "I think that if we continue on this path, it will happen (a four-organization title unification match), but to get there, I will face a strong champion (Ruprecht). I don't have the luxury of thinking about the future. My first goal is to win the match in front of me. If I win the next match, I'll be able to see beyond that."
This is reportedly Matsuda’s first ever bout against a foreign opponent, as either an amateur or professional, and her first bout outside of Japan. Despite that she’s excited about fighting away from home, explaining "I've always wanted to fight overseas. But my goal is not to just fight, but to win. I'll definitely bring all three belts back to Japan." She later went on to say "I'm looking forward to it because I've never done it away from home before. I wonder how people who don't know me will react. I expect a genuine reaction. Winning overseas will increase my value. I want to liven up women's boxing in Japan,"