The boxing world focuses on a high-stakes light flyweight title clash as Japan’s Masamichi Yabuki defends his IBF World Light Flyweight belt against Nicaraguan veteran Felix Alvarado in the main event of the “Yabuki vs. Alvarado: Saikou x Lush vol. 4” card. This 12-round bout pits Yabuki’s explosive knockout power and home advantage against Alvarado’s experience and resilience, promising an intense showdown in the lower weight classes. Below is a comprehensive pre-fight breakdown.
Venue Location
The fight takes place at the Aichi Sky Expo in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. This modern exhibition center, with a capacity of around 10,000 for boxing events, is a frequent host for Japanese promotions and offers a vibrant, pro-local atmosphere for title defenses like this one.
he event begins at 3:00 a.m. ET (12:00 a.m. PT / 8:00 a.m. GMT / 5:00 p.m. JST), with the main event ringwalks expected around 5:00-6:00 a.m. ET to accommodate the undercard. This afternoon start in Japan maximizes local attendance.
Broadcast/Streaming: Available on Abema TV (Japan) and potentially international streaming platforms like Box.Live or YouTube for highlights. No major U.S. linear TV coverage, but check regional PPV options.
Recent Form
Both fighters enter with momentum from recent wins, but Yabuki’s title defenses highlight his dominance. Here’s a summary of their last five bouts:
| Fighter | Last 5 Fights (Most Recent First) | Form Notes |
| Masamichi Yabuki | W vs. Angel Ayala Lardizabal (Mar 2025, method unspecified, Aichi Sky Expo), W vs. Sivenathi Nontshinga (Oct 2024, method unspecified, Aichi Sky Expo), W vs. Kevin Vivas (Mar 2024, method unspecified, Port Messe Nagoya), W vs. Ronald Chacon (Jan 2023, method unspecified, International Conference Hall, Nagoya), W vs. Thanongsak Simsri (Sep 2022, method unspecified, location unspecified) | Yabuki is on a four-fight win streak, all in title bouts, showcasing his knockout power and tactical growth. His fights average under 8 rounds recently, with a focus on body work and pressure. No losses since 2021. boxrec.com +1 |
| Felix Alvarado | W vs. Tobias Jeremias Reyes (Dec 2024, method unspecified, Gimnasio Alexis Arguello, Managua; IBF Flyweight Eliminator), W vs. Francisco Gomez Sanchez (Jul 2024, method unspecified, Gimnasio Nicarao, Managua), W vs. Jose Ramirez Armenta (Feb 2024, method unspecified, Gimnasio Nicarao, Managua), L vs. Angel Ayala Lardizabal (Oct 2023, method unspecified, Polyforum Zam Ná, Merida), W vs. Armando Hernandez Torres (Jun 2023, method unspecified, Miccosukee Indian Gaming Resort, Miami) | Alvarado has won three straight since his 2023 loss, rebuilding with home-country victories. His fights often go to decisions lately (3 of last 5), reflecting durability but reduced finishing rate against top foes. boxrec.com +1 |
Yabuki’s recent opponents include ranked contenders, while Alvarado’s wins have been against regional talent.
Fight History
This marks the first professional encounter between Yabuki and Alvarado. No shared opponents stand out, though both have faced durable Mexican fighters—Alvarado lost to Angel Ayala (whom Yabuki defeated), and Yabuki has a 4-3 record against world champions or ex-champs. As a title defense, this is Yabuki’s opportunity to solidify his reign against a former champ.
Injury Report
Masamichi Yabuki: No active injuries reported entering fight week. Yabuki weighed in well under the 108-pound limit and showed no signs of issues in training or at the weigh-in.
boxingscene.com +1
Felix Alvarado: Cleared from minor injuries sustained earlier in 2025, including a cut cheek requiring stitches from a previous bout. He was medically approved months ago and appeared healthy at the weigh-in, also under the limit.
Fighter Matchups
This 12-round IBF light flyweight title fight features a battle of knockout artists with contrasting styles:
Power vs. Experience: Yabuki (17 KOs in 18 wins) uses orthodox pressure, body attacks, and explosive hooks to overwhelm early, potentially exploiting Alvarado’s age. Alvarado (35 KOs) counters with veteran ring craft, jabs, and uppercuts, aiming to weather the storm and capitalize late.
Physical Edges: Yabuki’s height (5’5.5″) and youth (33 vs. 36) favor him in close quarters, while Alvarado’s longer reach (67″ vs. 64.5″) helps at range. Both orthodox, expect tactical adjustments.
Key Dynamics: Yabuki’s aggression vs. Alvarado’s durability—Yabuki thrives in high-volume exchanges, but Alvarado’s 83% KO rate could turn the tide if he lands clean. Special focus: Yabuki’s body work vs. Alvarado’s counterpunching in rounds 4-8.
Betting Trends
Masamichi Yabuki: 4-1 in last five as favorite, with 80% of fights ending by KO/TKO. Home defenses trend under 9.5 rounds (70%), and he covers spreads 75% against veterans.
Felix Alvarado: 3-2 ATS in last five, but 1-3 as underdog. His bouts go over 9.5 rounds 60% recently, reflecting decisions in losses. Challengers like him cover 45% in Japanese title fights.
General Trends: IBF light flyweight defenses favor champions 80%; unders hit 65% in power-puncher matchups. Japanese-Mexican clashes end inside distance 70% on Japanese soil.
FIGHT ODDS
Masamichi Yabuki – 650
Felix Alvarado + 400
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 26, 2025
