IBF minimumweight champion Hiroto Kyoguchi could potentially be considering a move up to light flyweight if he doesn’t get to fight any of the champions at 105 lbs.
According to Asian Boxing, Kyoguchi is preparing for a potential unification fight with WBC minimumweight champion Wanheng Menayothin. This comes after Kyoguchi is reportedly not interested in fighting mandatory challenger Mark Anthony Barriga. The plan for Kyoguchi is to have the two fight in a unification bout in Japan in September.
If Kyoguchi doesn’t get to fight Menayothin, who tied Floyd Mayweather's 50-0 record in his last fight, then he would consider moving up to light flyweight to win another world title. In the report, Kyoguchi said he would aim for a fight against unified IBF, WBA and Ring Magazine light flyweight champion Hekkie Budler.
Kyoguchi, who is 10-0 as a pro boxer, won the IBF title in his eighth fight last year with a unanimous decision win over Jose Argumedo. Kyoguchi’s first title defense took place on the annual December 31 boxing show in Japan where he knocked out Carlos Buitrago. The 24-year-old IBF champion already fought once this year, defeating Vince Paras by unanimous decision back in May.
Negotiations for the fight against Menayothin are set to start soon to give ample time for Kyoguchi to prepare for the unification fight and if it doesn't happen, then the extra time will be served to give Kyoguchi a chance to build his body and weight for the potential move to light flyweight.
