Vince Paras (left) and Hiroto Kyoguchi (right) exchange blows in their 2018 world title clash. | photo from Fightnews
CEBU CITY, Philippines—A high-stakes boxing match is set as former world title challenger Vince “J-Vince” Paras and his fierce rival Hiroto Kyoguchi of Japan will collide in a much-anticipated trilogy bout on October 13 in Yokohama, Japan.
The storied rivalry between Paras and Kyoguchi traces back to 2018 when they first crossed paths in a world title fight. Kyoguchi, the then-defending International Boxing Federation (IBF) world minimumweight champion, successfully retained his title by defeating Paras via unanimous decision on home soil.
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However, Paras exacted revenge just this past May in Incheon City, South Korea, where he defeated Kyoguchi by unanimous decision in a 10-round bout. This victory extended Paras’ winning streak to five consecutive fights, improving his record to 21 wins (15 by knockout), 2 losses, and 1 draw.
Now, the third and likely final chapter of their rivalry will unfold. This trilogy will headline the fight card of Treasure Boxing Promotions of former world champion turned promoter Masayuki Ito.
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Interestingly, Kyoguchi himself is still reeling from his own defeat by unanimous decision to Paras last May, marking his second career loss. The 30-year-old promoter carries a record of 18 wins, 12 of which came by knockout.
Adding further excitement to the card, one of Ito’s top fighters, former three-division world champion John Riel Casimero, will make his long-awaited return to the ring after a year-long hiatus. Casimero is slated to face American Saul Sanchez in the co-main event.