Garry Jonas, CEO ProBoxTV and the universally respected Mr. Akihiko Honda, president of Teiken Promotions, announced they have reached a co-promotional agreement for bantamweight contender Katsuma “El Cuete Japonecito” Akitsugi. Despite being a Japanese native, Akitsugi (14-0, 4 KOs) has never fought exclusively in the United States. The 28-year old grew up in Wakayama, Japan, but came to the US over a decade ago on a student visa where he continued to pursue his passion for boxing in his off-time.
To his credit, the fan-friendly southpaw found his way to coach Eddie Hernandez at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California where the pair have been able to see his career blossom after signing with ProBoxTV two years ago. Now a fan favorite worldwide, Akitsugi is ranked by all four major sanctioning bodies.
This deal with Hall-of-Fame promoter Honda will allow Akitsugi a televised homecoming, where he can be reintroduced to Japanese fans as he makes his run for a world championship in front of his countrymen on their biggest stage. Akitsugi will make his debut fighting under the Teiken/ProBox Promotional banners on Saturday, April 11th, against Mexico’s Jose Miguel Calderon (14-3, 6 KOs) at the famed Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo.
“I’m very honored to be fighting for Teiken Promotions, which I never imagined,” said Katsuma Akitsugi. “This definitely brings me closer to becoming a champion and doing it at home, in front of my Japanese people. I couldn’t be happier or more excited for this opportunity.”
The legendary Teiken Promotions was formed in 1964 and has grown into a powerhouse in Japanese boxing. Mr. Honda was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 2008 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2009. Teiken has hosted two of Mike Tyson's fights, including his legendary upset loss to Buster Douglas. They have also worked with myriad world champions and contenders, including their co-promotional work with undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue and boxers such as Masao Ōba, Jirō Watanabe, Genaro Hernández, Eloy Rojas, Jorge Linares, Edwin Valero and Román González among others.
“Katsuma Akitsugi has developed into one of the best Japanese fighters and is a serious championship contender in the 118-pound division,” said Honda. “We are excited to bring him home and showcase him in front of his people. Garry Jonas and his ProBoxTV platform have done a great job developing this fighter and we look forward to partnering with them.”
“We’re very excited to be partnering with Teiken as it relates to working with Akitsugi, said Garry Jonas. “Teiken has been a leader for many years and there’s no one better to work with on this.
“I’m also very happy for Katsuma,” he continued. “Ever since he came here, it’s been a dream of his to go back and fight in Japan, and to do so on their biggest stage with Teiken Promotions has him thrilled about this development.”
