Get to know Shokichi Iwata

Getting to know WBC World champion Shokichi Iwata

On July 20, WBC Light Flyweight World Champion Shokichi Iwata will make the first defense of his green and gold crown against undefeated Mexican challenger Erick Badillo in Tokyo, Japan.

But before he steps back into the ring, it is worth taking a closer look at the journey that led the Japanese star to become one of the most prominent champions in the lighter weight divisions.

Born on February 2, 1996, in Tokyo, Japan, Iwata developed an interest in combat sports at an early age. During his amateur career, he achieved significant national success and earned victories over fighters who would later become world champions, including Takuma Inoue and Kosei Tanaka.

Iwata made his professional debut in 2018 under the prestigious Teiken Promotions banner and quickly gained attention for his aggressive style, relentless pressure, and knockout power. His rise through the ranks saw him capture the OPBF Light Flyweight title and establish himself among the division’s leading contenders.

In 2022, he received his first world title opportunity against Jonathan González for the light flyweight world championship, but suffered a decision defeat. Rather than allowing the setback to derail his ambitions, Iwata rebuilt his career and continued climbing the rankings until another opportunity arrived.

That reward came in October 2024 when he defeated Colombia’s Jairo Noriega with a spectacular third-round knockout to capture the light flyweight world title, fulfilling his dream of becoming a world champion. 

However, the Japanese fighter’s journey was not without obstacles. In March 2025, he lost his crown to Puerto Rico’s René Santiago in a surprising unanimous decision defeat.

Once again, Iwata responded like a true champion. On March 15, 2026, he faced experienced Thai fighter Thammanoon Niyomtrong (Knockout CP Freshmart) for the WBC Light Flyweight World Championship. After controlling much of the fight, Iwata forced the bout to be stopped due to a severe cut over the Thai champion’s left eye, earning a unanimous technical decision and capturing the prestigious Green and Gold Belt.

Iwata enters his title defense as one of Japan’s leading boxing figures, determined to solidify his reign at 108 pounds. Standing across the ring will be undefeated Mexican contender Erick Badillo, who hopes to take the title away on Japanese soil.

With a career defined by perseverance, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Shokichi Iwata has proven that he belongs among boxing’s elite, and his story is far from finished.