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Iwata becoming the new king of the WBO lightweight division (Photo by Kyodo News)

The deciding match for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) light flyweight division was held at the Tokyo Ariake Arena on October 13^th, 2024. Waseda University Boxing Team alum Shokichi Iwata (lightweight rank 1, Teiken Boxing Gym, School of Sport Sciences, 2018) became the first Waseda alumni to become a world champion in boxing after defeating Jairo Noriega (lightweight rank 2, Spain) by TKO in the 3^rd round.

Iwata on the offensive and representing Waseda with  our sports logo on his boxing trunks. (Photo by Kyodo News)

This was Iwata’s first world challenge in two years after losing by decision in November 2022. “I wanted to improve on skills besides my movement and punches that I was already confident in, so I spent two years working hard on my strategy” said Iwata with conviction as he entered the ring. He pressed his opponent and limited his movements, landing jabs to the opponent’s head from the start in round 1. In round 3, after cleverly baiting his opponent by leaning forward, Iwata knocked down his opponent for the first time with a right uppercut. Continuing on the offensive, Iwata knocked him down for the second time after he landed a left hook. Following an explosive series of right and left blows from Iwata, the referee was forced to stop the fight.

Iwata knocking down his opponent with a fierce blow (Photo by Kyodo News)

Waseda University Boxing Team alumni Masataka Takayama and Yamamoto Mitani, along with Waseda University alumni Motoki Sasaki, competed alongside Iwata, who secured the WBO title on his 7^th attempt. At the press conference after the match, when he was asked about being the first Waseda alum to become a world champion in boxing, Iwata replied, “Waseda is not necessarily known for its boxing, so that’s why I wanted to become the champion. I knew that there has never been a world champion from Waseda, so I felt that I had to carve my name in history no matter what it took.”

As for the future, he wants to defend his light flyweight title and has set his sights on the 4 titles of the major boxing championships (WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO). Iwata shared, “I think I will become stronger. Although I am in lighter weight divisions, I want to become more powerful and be able to knock down my opponents with one blow,” revealing the type of world champion he plans to be.

A HUGE KNOCKOUT FROM SHOKICHI IWATA! #InoueTsutsumi | Live Now pic.twitter.com/mK0QEMsT9D

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) October 13, 2024

Iwata shows the importance of continuity

A Comment from Waseda University Boxing Team Coach Masashi Iwasaki

Iwata with the Waseda University Boxing Team after winning the match (Photo by the Waseda University Boxing Team)

My sincerest congratulations to Shokichi Iwata on securing the WBO World Championship title on October 13^th, 2024. As the Waseda University Boxing Team coach, I am extremely proud to see him standing on top of the world. It was extremely moving to be able to celebrate the moment Iwata achieved worldwide recognition for his hard work and passion together. Also, as the Waseda University Boxing Team approaches its 100^th anniversary in 2029, Iwata achieving this great feat was a long-term dream that finally came true. The path set by Iwata will become an inspiration and motivate the many members of the Boxing Team to come.