On June 26th, the legendary Korakuen Hall in Tokyo will be the stage for a clash of generations as reigning champion Yuko Kuroki (24-8-2, 9 KOs) defends her WBA women’s minimumweight title against Nanako Suzuki (9-3, 3 KOs). Both fighters hail from Japan. Both know Korakuen Hall like the back of their hand. But only one will walk out with the belt. At 34 years old, Kuroki is a seasoned southpaw with championship pedigree. A titleholder under other sanctioning bodies from 2014 to 2017, she brings a wealth of big-fight experience and ring IQ. This marks her first title defense since capturing the WBA strap earlier in 2024, and she’s determined to solidify her reign.

 

Across the ring will be Suzuki, just 25 years old and riding a wave of momentum. While she lacks Kuroki’s resume, she makes up for it with youth, pressure, and fearless aggression—traits that have carried her to a string of impressive wins over the past year. Suzuki embodies the new wave of Japanese boxing talent, hungry to make her mark on the world stage.

 

 

It’s a classic clash of styles: the technical precision and counterpunching of Kuroki versus the pressure and forward drive of Suzuki.