Ken Shiro's impressive run through the light flyweight division continues with yet another knockout win in front of his home country fans in Japan.
This time, it came from a single counter right hand to Jonathan Taconing's jaw in the fourth round that knocked him out to retain the WBC light flyweight title. The fight took place in Osaka as part of the ESPN+ undercard for the Rob Brant vs. Ryota Murata rematch for the WBA "Regular" middleweight title.
It was another quick win for the unbeaten champion, who dominated from the start. In the fourth round, Taconing lunged in for a punch, but Shiro dodged to his right and and landed a right hand that dropped him. Taconing got back up, but was still dazed and confused, walking around the ring during the 10-count. The referee then waived off the fight, giving Shiro his 16th career win.
This was Shiro's sixth successful title defense since winning the belt back in 2017 when he won a majority decision against Ganigan Lopez. Throughout his title reign, Shiro would go on to knock out or stop the likes of Milan Melindo, Lopez in a rematch and Gilberto Pedroza. Four of Shiro's last five wins have come from inside the distance.
Taconing's pro record dropped to 28-4-1 with the loss and is now unsuccessful in all three of his world title fights but Shiro was the first to knock him out. Taconing's six-fight win streak was snapped in the loss to Shiro.
