Ken Shiro Set to Defend WBC World Title against Filipino Jonathan Taconing
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 24 May 2019
Ken Shiro holds Taconing's pic in Japan press announcement.
WBC Light Flyweight World Champion Ken Shiro will make the 6th defense of his green and golden belt against experienced Filipino former two-time world title challenger WBC #1 Jonathan Taconing (28-3-1, 22 KO's) on Friday, July 12, in Osaka, Japan, live on ESPN+.
The news was revealed during a presscon held at the Misako Boxing Gym in Tokyo in which Ken Shiro (15-0, 8 KO's), held a pic of the 32-year-old Taconing strapped with two of his belts, including the one belt that the Filipino currently holds, which is the WBC International Light Flyweight crown (see above pic).
The intriguing title clash will be the golden opportunity for the Zamboangue?o from the Johnny Elorde Gym to claim world title glory for himself and for his native Philippines. Will he be able to come back victorious?
In his last title defense, the strong Ken Shiro, 27, defeated Mexican Saul Juarez (25-9-2, 13 KO's) in a lopsided unanimous decision win last December in Tokyo; while Jonathan Taconing decisioned the younger Vince Paras (14-2, 12 KO's) in September at the Elorde Complex in Para?aque, Metro Manila.
Interestingly, Ken Shiro and Jonathan Taconing are no stranger to each other. The two men know each other so well.
That's because for the two title fights that Ken Shiro fought against Mexican Ganigan Lopez (35-9, 19 KO's), it was Jonathan Taconing the one who helped him as his chief sparring partner.
Jonathan Taconing in his last win last September. Will he also be victorious against Ken Shiro?
As a result of Taconing efforts, the well-prepared Ken Shiro went on dethrone, and then stop Ganigan Lopez in 2017 and 2018 in world title victories.
Is it the time for Taconing to shine?
Will the ring savvy Jonathan Taconing be able to dominate and beat the so far unbeatable Ken Shiro to make his life's dreams finally come true?
Or will the cheerful, yet lethal Ken Shiro do to Taconing the same rough thing he did to Milan Melindo?
The Ken Shiro vs Jonathan Taconing WBC light flyweight world title battle is the co-main event of the July 12 card in Osaka, Japan. The main event is the rematch of Rob Brant and Ryota Murata for the WBA "Regular" Middleweight belt.
The world title double-header July 12 in Osaka is a production of Hall-of-Famer promoter Akihiko Honda's Teiken Promotions in association with Bob Arum's Top Rank live on ESPN+.
The author Carlos Costa is a Panama boxing reporter living in the Philippines. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and by whatsapp/viber/wechat: +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Barrios vs Garcia: Where Art Thou Ryan Garcia?
By Chris Carlson, Fri, 20 Feb 2026Pacman bout details revealed
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 20 Feb 2026IIEE to defend Billiard crown in PTC World 2026, World Champ Magpantay is PSA Awardee
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 20 Feb 2026Wood-Warrington II Press Conference Quotes: Everything that Was Said Ahead of Saturday's Sold-Out Rematch in Nottingham
Fri, 20 Feb 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announces Opponents for Rising Stars Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. and Curmel Moton on Feb. 28 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York
Fri, 20 Feb 2026Rising Star Promotions Returns to Prudential Center April 10 LIVE ON PROBOX TV
Fri, 20 Feb 2026Sante Barley Trilogy Leg 1 on March 29 in Azuela
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 20 Feb 2026Team Rapid chess tourney goes to Pasay City on March 8 By Marlon Bernardino
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 20 Feb 20263rd Horse Show & competition scheduled on February 21-22
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 19 Feb 2026Robinsons Bacolod Chess Festival set
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 19 Feb 2026TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Alex Bray Set for WBA Continental Latin American Title Clash February 20 in Orlando
Thu, 19 Feb 2026Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki Calls out Jai Opetaia
Thu, 19 Feb 2026BREAKING NEWS: DAZN AND MATCHROOM BOXING SIGN NEW FIVE-YEAR DEAL
Thu, 19 Feb 202675 climbers start trekking to Mt. Apo today
Thu, 19 Feb 20264 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Erik Morales Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Thu, 19 Feb 2026