On Tuesday, September 3, the Ariake Arena in Tokyo will host a highly anticipated bantamweight showdown between two Japanese boxing stars. In one corner, undefeated WBO World Champion Yoshiki Takei, a former K-1 kickboxing world champion who made the transition to professional boxing in 2021. On the other, former WBC flyweight champion Daigo Higa is looking to regain world title glory after a couple of setbacks.
For boxing fans around the world, the event will be televised live on ESPN, providing unprecedented access to this clash of Japanese titans. In addition, the fight can be viewed online via ESPN+.
The Ariake Arena, with its state-of-the-art facilities and electric atmosphere, promises to be the perfect setting for this monumental battle. Boxing enthusiasts in attendance are sure to witness an unforgettable night of action when Takei and Higa leave it all in the ring.
Yoshiki Takei vs. Daigo Higa Betting Odds and Info
| Yoshiki Takei 1.275 | Daigo Higa 3.83 |
| When? | Tuesday, September 3, 5:45 am, 4:45 am CST, 3:45 am MT, and 2:45 am PT. |
| Ring Walks Time: | 6:00 am, 5:00 am CST, 4:00 am MT, and 3:00 am PT. |
| Where? | Ariake Arena in Tokyo |
| Where can I watch it? | ESPN |
Why Bet on Yoshiki Takei?
Yoshiki Takei’s journey in combat sports began with a successful stint in K-1, where he claimed the world championship in 2017. Seeking new challenges, Takei transitioned to professional boxing in 2021, and his dominance has continued unabated.
In just three years, Takei has amassed an impressive 9-0 record, with 8 of those wins coming by knockout. His punching power and aggression have proven to be a formidable combination, as evidenced by his streak of eight consecutive knockouts to begin his boxing career.
Takei’s most recent and significant win came against Australian Jason Moloney, a fight in which he captured the coveted WBO bantamweight world title. Although he had to go the distance for the first time, Takei showed his all-around skills and composure, outboxing Moloney in 12 rounds to claim the belt.
Now, with a spotless record and a world title, he enters the ring as the undefeated champion, ready to defend his crown against a familiar foe in Daigo Higa. His journey from K-1 champion to boxing’s elite has been remarkable, and Takei’s sights are set on further solidifying his legacy.
Why Bet on Daigo Higa?
Daigo Higa’s journey to this world title fight has been a roller coaster ride. The 27-year-old Japanese fighter tasted glory early in his professional career, capturing the WBC flyweight title in 2015 with a sixth-round knockout over Juan Hernandez. He successfully defended his crown twice, defeating Thomas Masson and Moises Fuentes, before suffering a devastating loss to Cristofer Rosales in 2018.
The fight against Rosales was a turning point for him. Despite being the defending champion, he failed to make the weight limit, making him ineligible to retain his title. Rosales seized the opportunity, claiming the vacant belt and leaving Higa to pick up the pieces of his shattered dream.
Since that setback, Higa has been on a mission to redeem himself. His 21-2-1 record, with 19 knockouts, is a testament to his determination and skill. Although he suffered a loss and a draw in his last few outings, his hunger for redemption has only grown stronger.
Now, with the opportunity to fight for the WBO bantamweight title, Higa is fueled by the desire to regain his place among the elite. The prospect of becoming a two-time world champion is the ultimate motivation, prompting him to leave it all in the ring against the formidable Yoshiki Takei.
Final Betting Analysis: Yoshiki Takei vs. Daigo Higa
This bantamweight title clash carries significant weight for both Takei and Higa. For Takei, defending his newly acquired WBO belt is crucial to cementing his status as an elite boxer after the transition from kickboxing. A win would cement his place among the bantamweight elite and open the door for potential unification bouts or high-profile showdowns.
Higa, on the other hand, is at a crossroads. Having previously held a world title, regaining championship glory would revive his career and erase the disappointment of his previous failed title defenses. However, a defeat could relegate him to gatekeeper status and diminish his chances of regaining a major belt.
Higa’s aggressive, swarming style could cause Takei some problems if he can cut off the ring and force exchanges on the inside. Takei prefers to fight at a distance behind his jab and straight punches. If Higa can make it an ugly and physical fight, he has a solid chance to pull off the upset.
However, our prediction is a win for Yoshiki Takei by KO toward the seventh round.
EN 
ES 
PT 
PT_BR