Shokichi Iwata vs Erik Badillo fight preview, betting odds, predictions

WBC Special Preview – Shokichi Iwata vs Erik Badillo

“Whata” Iwata vs “Bad Dude” Badillo By James Blears

Japan’s Shokichi Iwata (16-2, 13 KOs) defends his WBC Light Flyweight title against undefeated Mexican Erik Badillo (19-0, 8 KOs) on Monday, July 20th at the Kokugikon Arena, Tokyo, in a battle of a wily hard-hitter against a legal eagle who aims to soar by laying down the law.

Both aged 30, but while Iwata’s career went on the ascent at an earlier stage, Badillo has taken a little longer to shed the fledgling mantle and spread his wings. Indeed, this is Iwata’s second phase as a world light flyweight champion, while Badillo has earned his spurs and, with it, his challenger opportunity, by winning the WBC Silver title and then a rugged final eliminator.

Iwata, who fought his debut in 2018, is 16-2, 13 KOs, which is an 81.25 percent stoppage ratio over 120 rounds. Badillo, whose pro debut was the same year, is now 19-0, 8 KOs, which is a 42.1 percent halting reference, spanning 117 rounds. Iwata is five feet four inches tall and his reach is 63.8 inches. Badillo is an inch taller and his reach is not available. It’s unreachable?

Going all the way to Japan, venturing on the Champ’s home turf, and encroaching into his comfort zone takes a usurper’s striking willpower. Erik’s nickname is “Mini Pacman.” Many Mexicans are hoping he can emulate Manny.

Iwata is promoted by the legendary Akihiko Honda’s Teiken Promotions. He is coached by the able and experienced Sendai Tanaka, who has already guided Jorge Linares, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez.

Badillo is represented by Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. His Principal Coach is his brother Ivan. Erik is a trained lawyer. He qualified aged twenty-one, but decided to primarily concentrate on the ring and then eventually return to the circuit. A sound judgment, as it’s turned out. I rest my case?

Iwata began his pro career with nine wins on the trot, winning the Japanese and OPBF titles. But then, he lost to the slicker and more experienced WBO Champion Jonathan Gonzalez by UD. He boxed and bounced back with four victories. Gonzalez vacated and a more seasoned Iwata stopped Jairo Noriega in three rounds for the vacant belt. But then, and surprisingly, he lost the title by UD in his first defense to Rene Santiago. He then KO’d Edwin Cano in four rounds.

WBC Champion Carlos Canizales was unable to travel outside Venezuela due to a US-imposed travel ban. He became Champion in recess. At last year’s WBC Convention in Bangkok, Thailand, Thammanoon Niyomtrong, previously known as Knockout CP Freshmart, fought and defeated Junior Zarate by UD for the vacant title. But he then lost his crown against Iwata. Initially, Iwata was declared the winner via an eighth-round technical decision. By that time, Iwata was well ahead on all three scorecards: 79-73, 79-73, and 78-74.

Niyomtrong had been cut over the left eye and the gash had considerably worsened. It was thought to have come from a clash of heads. But an investigation, including detailed film analysis, conclusively determined that the cut had been caused by a left hook, 55 seconds into round four. The Japanese Boxing Commission announced the result had been altered to a TKO.

Erik’s route via Mexico City to his first world opportunity has been more gradual. He defeated previously unbeaten Neider Valdez Aguilar via fifth-round TKO to win the WBC Silver title. He most recently defeated ex-WBO Champion Elwin “La Pulga” Soto by UD. “Pulga” is trained by Robert Garcia. This was an Eliminator for the title and so now Iwata’s defense is a Mandatory. Badillo is still undefeated.

Iwata’s opposition speaks quality. His first defeat, which was to Gonzalez, was part of a learning curve. His second loss to Rene Santiago was both a disappointment and a wake-up call. Badillo has taken longer to come into his prime. As the Road Warrior for this particular challenge, he is traveling far and wide and deep into unfamiliar territory. Will this motivate him, or will it be a bridge too far?

As the Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen lyrics conclude: “So you see It’s all up to you. You can be better than you are, you could be swinging on a Star.”

The bell will ring, and then… it’s time to Bing!

WBC Mexico vs Japan Rivalry

There have been 122 WBC Mexico vs. Japan WBC Title Fights in total: México has 62 wins, Japan 59 wins & 1 No Contest.

Betting Odds

4/7 Shokichi Iwata

7/4 Erik Badillo

17/1 Draw

Predictions

Tim Rickson, GBN Editor: "Iwata to win by knockout in rounds 7-12."