Can Kenshiro Teraji become undisputed at flyweight? Boxing's 112-pound champions assessed

Former light flyweight champion Kenshiro Teraji once harbored hopes of achieving the undisputed distinction. However, the Japanese star outgrew the division and now officially debuts at flyweight when he faces Cristofer Rosales for the vacant WBC title on Sunday, October 13, at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

The 12-round bout takes place on the undercard of Takuma Inoue vs. Seiya Tsutsumi and will be broadcast by ESPN+ in the U.S.

WATCH: Takuma Inoue vs. Seiya Tsutsumi, exclusively on ESPN+

Teraji (23-1, 14 KOs) held WBA, WBC and Ring Magazine titles at 108 pounds and was just two belts shy of unifying in that weight class. Matchups against Jonathan Gonzalez (then-WBO) and Sivenathi Nontshinga (IBF) eluded “The Amazing Boy,” whose form dipped as making weight became his toughest fight.

At 32 years old, Teraji still has plenty of time to add to his legacy. His pursuit of an undisputed championship at flyweight begins Sunday against Rosales and if all goes to plan, he will quickly become the No. 1 target in the new division. But despite his undoubted quality, unifying at 112 pounds will be an arduous process.

The Sporting News takes a deep dive into the route Teraji would have to take to secure flyweight dominance.

Cristofer Rosales

• Titles: Vacant WBC flyweight championship
• Record: 37-6 (22 KOs)

Rosales is a former WBC champion in this weight class and a worthy adversary.

Stylistically, the 30-year-old Nicaraguan is a come-forward fighter who marches in behind a high guard and releases punches in volume. He will not say no to a firefight, so Teraji won't have to go looking for him.

The visitor is on a five-fight winning streak and has mixed with quality opposition throughout his career. Signature wins have come against Daigo Higa, Paddy Barnes and Joselito Velasquez.

If Teraji wins this bout, then he will soon be committed to facing Sunny Edward or Galal Yafai, who collide November 30 for the interim WBC title.

Angel Ayala

• Titles: IBF flyweight championship
• Record: 18-0 (8 KOs)

Only 24 years old, Ayala is one of the youngest world champions in boxing, and he has a high ceiling in the sport. With that said, the youngster from Mexico is far from infallible.

Ayala was considered very lucky to win a decision over ex-champ Felix Alvarado last October. He was decked in the opening round and tested throughout, but charitable scoring saw him secure the decision and the IBF mandatory position.

In his next bout, Ayala performed brilliantly to claim the vacant IBF title at the expense of Dave Apolinario. After surviving an early assault, Ayala went after his man in round six and sent him to the canvas with a sustained two-fisted attack.

Teraji would open as the favorite, but it’s a tricky fight.

Anthony Olascuaga

• Title: WBO flyweight championship
• Record: 7-1 (5 KOs)

Olascuaga is a former Teraji victim, having lost to the Japanese boxer-puncher at light flyweight in April 2023.

However, after just one tune-up bout, the Los Angeles star was matched in July against Riku Kano for the vacant WBO title. Olascuaga seized the moment, battering his foe into submission in three rounds.

Is Olascuaga truly world-class? He holds the No. 8 spot with Ring Magazine at 112 pounds and, at 25 years old, he has time to improve his game. He makes his maiden defense against Jonathan Gonzalez on the same card as Teraji, and that’s a tough fight for Olascuaga.

If both Teraji and Olascuaga win, then a rematch is a realistic fight for both.

MORE: Boxing's top five pound-for-pound fighters from Japan

Seigo Yuri Akui

• Title: WBA flyweight championship
• Record: 20-2-1 (11 KOs)

Despite the one-sided scorecards in Akui's favor, many felt he was very lucky to get the decision in January over long-reigning champion Artem Dalakian.

However, the Japanese fighter has the title and has defended it once, in May against Taku Kuwahara. Like Olascuaga, Akui will appear on the same card when he takes on Thai fighter Thananchai Charunphak. He’s heavily favored to win that fight and will then be in line for a unification matchup.

The good news for all concerned is that these fights are not difficult to make, so the fans are the beneficiaries.