Sho Kimura defends WBO flyweight title in China

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Japan’s grass-roots boxing champion Sho Kimura defeats Philippines’ challenger Froilan Saludar to win the second defense of his WBO flyweight world title on Friday in the WBA/WBO World Championship held in Qingdao, Shandong Province of China.

Sho Kimura (R) competes with Froilan Saludar (L) in Qingdao, China, July 27, 2018. /VCG Photo

The victory improved Kimura’s record to 17-1-2 (10 KOs). Saludar, also 29, fell to 28-3-1.

July 28 is a special day for Kimura, as one year before in Shanghai, he successfully challenged the flyweight title, then holder Zou Shiming, an Olympic winner transformed to professional boxer and also a TV celebrity in China.

No one expected Kimura to beat the Chinese boxing superstar Zou, as the former was just a beer delivery man. Even after capturing the title from Zou, Kimura just bought himself an electro-bicycle and was still in work-train condition.

Sho Kimura (L) won the match against Zou Shiming (R), July 28, 2017. /VCG Photo

On December 31, 2017, Kimura defended his victory over challenger Toshiyuki Igarashi of Japan in Tokyo. Since then, his life has completely changed. He moved to a better house, gained sponsorship, quit the original job and attends the professional boxing training to focus on being a true champion.

Every six months, Kimura has to defend his title. His consecutive wins show boxing fans his potential, as he knocked down the third-ranked contender in the fifth round, and finished the game with relentless beats in the sixth round until Filipino could not stay on his feet.

Sho Kimura defends WBO flyweight title by defeating Froilan Saludar in WBA/WBO World Championship, July 27, 2018. /VCG Photo

Sho Kimura's shoes have the words "wild grass" in Chinese characters embroidered on his shoes. /VCG Photo

Chinese audience pity for the 37-year-old Zou Shiming after his lost. However, the 29-year-old Kimura said he thanks Zou for all of his hard work because Zou’s choices gave him a once-a-life opportunity to change his life.

In regards to his future plans, Kimura said he would like to open a boxing club after he wins more titles.