Showdown in Tokyo: Jerry Francisco Challenges Undefeated Yuga Ozaki for WBO Asia Pacific Title Today
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 15 Jul 2026
Antipas native Jerry Francisco is set to face the biggest test of his career today, July 15, as he challenges Yuga Ozaki of Japan for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific Light Flyweight title.
The high-stakes 10-round championship bout will take place at the iconic Korakuen Hall—widely regarded as the Mecca of Japanese boxing.
Both fighters officially greenlit the matchup on Tuesday after successfully making weight. Francisco tipped the scales comfortably at 107.3 lbs under the limit, while the Ozaki came in just slightly heavier at 107.7 lbs but well within bounds. (Photo)
Representing the powerhouse Sanman Boxing Gym in General Santos City, the 29-year-old Francisco (12-3-0, 4KOs) captured the WBC Asian Continental light flyweight title with a stellar performance against Raymond Poon Kai-Ching of Hong Kong. Francisco brings durability, veteran ring generalship, and a hunger to prove he belongs on the world stage.
At just 23 years old, the undefeated Ozaki (9-0-1, 7KOs) fighting out of the World Sports Gym in Tokyo, is one of Japan's brightest rising stars in the lighter weight classes. A dangerous southpaw with legitimate punching power (boasting a 77% knockout-to-win ratio), Ozaki enjoyed a breakout year in 2024 by capturing both the WBO Asia Pacific belt to add to his WBC Youth World light flyweight crown.
This fight represents a classic crossroads matchup. For Ozaki, a victory defends his regional supremacy and protects his highly coveted world rankings: WBC #8, IBF #8, WBO #13, and IBO #9.
For Francisco, the stakes couldn't be higher. A victory today would not only frustrate the young Japanese former champion Ozaki in his home turf, but it would also instantly catapult Francisco into the world top-15 rankings, putting him in direct line for a potential future world title shot.
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