Boxing 2025 65 2025-05-28 2025-05-28 https://r2.thesportsdb.com/images/media/event/thumb/zqjzhw1748436092.jpg https://r2.thesportsdb.com/images/media/event/poster/a5d4931748435379.jpg On Wednesday, 28 May 2025, at the Yokohama Buntai in Japan, Masanori Rikiishi and Eduardo “El Sugar” Núñez will square off for the vacant IBF junior lightweight title. This bout features two of the division’s most formidable knockout artists, promising an electrifying contest unlikely to go the distance. Núñez (27–1, 27 KOs), hailing from Los Mochis, Mexico, boasts a perfect knockout record, having stopped all 27 of his victories inside the distance. Ranked No. 1 by the IBF, he enters this title fight on a 17-fight knockout streak, including a sixth-round stoppage of former title challenger Miguel Marriaga in August 2024. Rikiishi (16–1, 11 KOs), a 30-year-old southpaw from Yokohama, Japan, has won 14 consecutive fights since his sole defeat in 2018. His most notable victory came in March 2024, when he rallied to stop Michael Magnesi in the final round, despite trailing on all scorecards. With Núñez’s 100% knockout rate and Rikiishi’s reputation for late-fight resilience, this clash for the 130-pound crown is anticipated to be a high-stakes, action-packed encounter. Fans can expect a thrilling battle between two fighters known for their power and determination. 2257524