Undefeated Japanese champion, Hiroto Kyoguchi, has successfully defended his WBA World (Super) light-flyweight title against Axel Aragon Vega. The 27-year-old got the TKO victory after Vega broke his hand in the fifth round.

The fight between Kyoguchi and Vega promised to be a cracker, and it delivered. However, it ended rather anti-climatically since the Mexican had to pull out of the fight because of an injury in the heat of the battle.

How did the Hiroto Kyoguchi vs. Axel Aragon Vega fight pan out?

Kyoguchi went into the fight as the clear favorite. However, the early exchanges showed how close the contest was. Despite the Japanese boxer having the height and reach advantages, he failed to capitalize on it.

Instead, after a relatively measured first round, the two traded blows in the center of the ring. Kyoguchi played into the hands of Vega by largely fighting in the clinch. Many experts expected a different approach from the champion.

Despite his surprising decision to stand and trade, the 15-0 champion landed his fair share of punches and caused significant damage to the Mexican’s face. He threw powerful combinations and defended well as Vega threw his shots.

The fight ended abruptly

With both fighters adopting the approach to stand and trade, it promised to be a fight of fireworks for a few rounds. However, fans will be disappointed as the referee called it off in the fifth round following Vega’s arm break.

It appeared as though the Mexican suffered a broken hand while throwing a punch in the earlier rounds. He then tried to continue fighting despite the injury. However, when he threw an overhead right hand at Kyoguchi in the fifth round, he aggravated his injury and could not continue.

As a result, the referee stopped the fight, and the Japanese champion maintained his perfect record. Although it may not have been the way he wanted to win it, Kyoguchi will be happy with his third successful defense. He can now look ahead and chase unification fights in the division.

What did you make of the fight between Hiroto Kyoguchi vs. Axel Aragon Vega? Do you think Kyoguchi would have won even if it went the distance?