In a dramatic turn of events at Yokohama, Ricardo Rafael Sandoval delivered a performance for the ages by defeating Kenshiro Teraji, the reigning WBC and WBA flyweight world champion. The match, held on July 30, 2025, ended with Sandoval securing a split decision victory, marking a significant upset in the boxing world.

The Fight Breakdown

• Round 5 Drama: Sandoval, who was knocked down in the fifth round, showcased his resilience by bouncing back to engage in a fierce toe-to-toe battle with Teraji.
• Judges' Scorecards: The scores were 117-110, 115-112, and 113-114, reflecting the intense competition and Sandoval's superior strategy.

Post-Fight Reactions

• Sandoval's Triumph: "I feel amazing. I never thought since I started at 10 years old we would be on this stage," said Sandoval, expressing his disbelief and joy over the victory.
• Teraji's Sportsmanship: Despite the loss, Teraji, a two-division champion, accepted the outcome gracefully, marking only his second career defeat.

Impact on the Boxing Scene

This victory not only cements Sandoval's place among the elite but also raises questions about Teraji's future in the sport. The event also saw other significant matches, including Antonio Vargas retaining his WBA bantamweight title against Daigo Higa in a closely contested draw.

Looking Ahead

With this win, Sandoval is poised for more high-profile fights, potentially setting up a rematch with Teraji or facing other top contenders in the flyweight division. The boxing community eagerly anticipates the next moves of these formidable athletes.