Boxing Match Preview: Thammanoon Niyomtrong (29-1-0, 11 KOs) vs. Shokichi Iwata (15-2-0, 12, KOs)

The upcoming U-Next Boxing 5 card, promoted by Teiken Promotions, is headlined by a WBC World Light Flyweight (108 lbs / junior flyweight / minimumweight equivalent in some sanctionings) title defense: champion Thammanoon “Knockout CP Freshmart” Niyomtrong (Thailand) faces mandatory challenger Shokichi Iwata (Japan). This 12-round championship bout is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Yokohama Buntai (also known as Yokohama Budokan) in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. The venue is a multi-purpose arena with a boxing setup capacity of around 5,000-10,000, known for hosting elite Japanese boxing events with passionate local crowds favoring the home fighter. The undercard typically starts 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 potentially international streams) featuring ringwalks for Niyomtrong vs. Iwata around 4:00-5:00 AM ET / 1:00-2:00 AM PT (6:00-7:00 PM JST).

Injury Report

• Thammanoon Niyomtrong: No reported injuries. Niyomtrong has stayed healthy through his recent title defenses, including a December 2025 stoppage win, with full camp completion and no issues noted.
• Shokichi Iwata: No current injuries. Iwata has been active and cleared, with no setbacks since his March 2025 loss; he’s prepared for this home-soil title shot.

Fighter Matchups and Breakdown

This light flyweight title clash pits a veteran Thai champion’s precision and experience against a hard-hitting Japanese challenger’s power and local momentum. Niyomtrong (35) is an orthodox technician with patience, accuracy, and counterpunching (38% KO rate), relying on defense and timing in longer fights. Iwata (30) brings aggressive orthodox pressure, heavy power (80% KO rate in wins), and a strong chin, aiming to impose high-speed exchanges. Heights are similar (5’0″-5’4.5″), with Niyomtrong’s reach (61″) and experience giving him control potential, while Iwata’s explosiveness could force early danger in a fast-paced chess match.

Fighter	Age	Record	Height/Reach (approx.)	Stance	Fight Style Highlights
Thammanoon Niyomtrong (“Knockout CP Freshmart”)	35	29-1-0 (11 KOs)	5’0″ / 61″	Orthodox	WBC champ; precise counterpuncher; durable (low KO losses); patient style thrives in decisions; strong title defenses.
Shokichi Iwata	30	15-2-0 (12 KOs)	5’4.5″ / 64″	Orthodox	Power puncher (80% KO rate in wins); aggressive pressure; tough chin; home advantage in Japan but recent loss exposed vulnerabilities.

Recent Form

• Thammanoon Niyomtrong: Niyomtrong has been dominant in his WBC reign, with consistent defenses and a mix of stoppages/decisions. He’s unbeaten since a 2024 loss, going 4+ wins in recent activity.

Recent Fights:

• Dec 4, 2025: Win vs. Junior Leandro Zarate (TKO R4, title defense, Bangkok).
  • Aug 2025: Win vs. Saichon Wongwai (UD 10).
  • May 2025: Win vs. Roland Toyogon (decision).
  • Apr 2025: Win vs. opponent (details limited, but maintained form).
• Shokichi Iwata: Iwata has shown power but inconsistency, with a recent title loss. He’s 3-1 in his last four, with KOs but decision setbacks.

Recent Fights:

• Mar 13, 2025: Loss vs. Rene Santiago (UD 12, WBO title, Tokyo).
  • Oct 2024: Win vs. Jairo Noriega (TKO R3).
  • Jul 2024: Win vs. Jahzeel Trinidad (TKO R6).
  • Jan 2024: Win vs. Rene Mark Cuarto (TKO R6).

Fight History

This is the first professional encounter between Niyomtrong and Iwata—no prior head-to-head or shared opponents of note. Niyomtrong’s career (debut 2012) includes a long title run with defenses against varied styles. Iwata (debut 2018) has risen quickly with power but faced elite setbacks, making this his biggest opportunity on home soil.

FIGHT ODDS

Thammanoon Niyomtrong          – 200

Shokichi Iwata                                   + 160

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 13, 2026