THE first foreign fighter under the banner of ALA Promotions, Katsunari Takayama, will be in an International Boxing Federation (IBF) mini-flyweight title eliminator on Sept. 1 in South Africa.
Takayama is taking on hometown hero Tshepo Lefele, who is ranked No. 4 by IBF, at the Carnival City in Brakpan, Gauteng.
Takayama is ranked ninth in the same boxing sanctioning body.
Although Takayama is an accomplished boxer, who once held the World Boxing Association and World Boxing Council mini flyweight straps, ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer is worried the Japanese might be robbed if the fight goes the distance.
“It’s going to be crucial for him because South Africa is really known for hometown decisions,” said Aldeguer.
Aldeguer believes Takayama has to win majority of the rounds in order for him to be victorious in his first fight outside of his native Japan.
“I hope Takayama will be aggressive and dominate the fight,” said Aldeguer.
The 27-year-old Japanese fighter, who is 23-4 with nine knockouts, trained for five months at the famed ALA Gym in Cebu City before leaving for Japan two weeks ago.
The winner of this fight will become the No.1 contender for the IBF mini flyweight crown held by South African Nkosinathi Joyi.