Boxing Match Preview: Ryusei Matsumoto (7-0-0, 4 KOs) vs. Yuni Takada (16-9-3, 6 KOs)
The upcoming U-Next Boxing 5 card, promoted by Teiken Promotions, features a rematch for the WBA Regular Minimumweight (Strawweight / 105 lbs / 48 kg) title in the main card: champion Ryusei Matsumoto defends against challenger Yuni Takada. This 12-round bout is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Yokohama Budokan (Yokohama Buntai) in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. The venue is a multi-purpose arena with a boxing configuration capacity of around 5,000-10,000, known for intimate, high-energy Japanese boxing events with strong local support. The undercard begins around 3:00 AM ET / 12:00 AM PT (early Sunday U.S. time, aligning with afternoon/evening JST), with the main broadcast (on U-Next in Japan and potential international streams) featuring ringwalks for Matsumoto vs. Takada around 4:00-5:00 AM ET / 1:00-2:00 AM PT (6:00-7:00 PM JST).
Injury Report
- Ryusei Matsumoto: No reported injuries. Matsumoto has stayed healthy since his September 2025 title win (via technical decision), completing a full camp without setbacks.
- Yuni Takada: No current injuries noted. Takada recovered from the accidental headbutt in their first fight (September 2025, which caused a cut and bout stoppage), with no lingering issues or withdrawals reported; he’s cleared and motivated for the rematch.
Fighter Matchups and Breakdown
This WBA Regular minimumweight rematch sees the unbeaten champion Matsumoto (27) facing the experienced Filipino-Japanese veteran Takada (27). Matsumoto, orthodox/southpaw mix (primarily southpaw in recent bouts), brings youth, power (57% KO rate), precision, and momentum from claiming the belt. Takada, orthodox, offers durability, volume punching, and experience (28 pro bouts), though his power is lower (37.5% KO rate in wins) and recent form mixed. Heights are close (Matsumoto ~5’3″/160 cm, Takada 5’2″/157 cm; reaches ~61.5″-62.5″), setting up a tactical inside battle where Matsumoto’s finishing threat clashes with Takada’s resilience and veteran savvy over 12 rounds.
| Fighter | Age | Record | Height/Reach (approx.) | Stance | Fight Style Highlights |
| Ryusei Matsumoto | 27 | 7-0-0 (4 KOs) | 5’3″ / 61.5″ | Southpaw (primarily) | Undefeated WBA Regular champ; power puncher (57% KO rate); precise and aggressive; strong in shorter fights; durable and improving technically. |
| Yuni Takada | 27 | 16-9-3 (6 KOs) | 5’2″ / 62.5″ | Orthodox | Veteran with volume and chin; regional success; tough but vulnerable to power; 37.5% KO rate in wins; motivated rematch fighter. |
Recent Form
- Ryusei Matsumoto: Matsumoto is flawless and on a rise, with his only “long” fight being the first Takada bout (TD win). He’s 7-0 overall, with recent KOs and control.
Recent Fights:
- Sep 14, 2025: Win vs. Yuni Takada (Technical Unanimous Decision R5, WBA Regular minimumweight title; accidental headbutt stoppage; scores 50-46, 50-45, 50-45).
- Feb 1, 2025: Win vs. Masatora Okada (KO R4).
- Earlier: Multiple KOs in building undefeated run (e.g., vs. John Kevin Jimenez R4 KO in 2025).
- Yuni Takada: Takada has mixed results, with losses to rising talents but durability shown. He’s competitive in spots but on a step-up streak.
Recent Fights:
- Sep 14, 2025: Loss vs. Ryusei Matsumoto (Technical Decision R5; headbutt injury).
- Prior 2025/2024: Wins and regional bouts; career shows resilience despite losses/draws.
Fight History
This is the second meeting between Matsumoto and Takada—their first fight (September 14, 2025, IG Arena, Nagoya) ended in a technical unanimous decision for Matsumoto after an accidental headbutt cut Takada in R5 (fight halted; Matsumoto awarded vacant WBA Regular title). No other shared opponents of note. Matsumoto’s short career (debut 2023) has been dominant with quick finishes. Takada (debut 2015) brings veteran experience but faces a power disadvantage in the rematch.
FIGHT ODDS
Ryusei Matsumoto – 1000
Yuni Takada + 725
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 13, 2026
