Masamichi Yabuki Stops Felix Alvarado in 8th-Round TKO to Retain IBF Flyweight Title at Aichi Sky Expo

The Aichi Sky Expo in Tokoname, Japan, erupted in celebration on December 27, 2025, as Masamichi Yabuki retained his IBF flyweight title with a spectacular 8th-round TKO over former champion Felix Alvarado. A vicious left hook to the body at 1:38 of the eighth dropped Alvarado for the third time in the fight, prompting referee Raul Caiz Jr. to wave it off, sending the 7,500-strong crowd into pandemonium. Broadcast live on Japanese networks and streaming platforms, the bout instantly trended as Japan’s Fight of the Year candidate, with @BoxingSceneJPN calling it “Yabuki’s masterpiece — the body-shot heard around the world.”

Fight Overview

Yabuki vs. Alvarado headlined the Korakuen Hall–Aichi double-bill, starting at 7:30 p.m. JST. The stakes were sky-high: Yabuki, 27, made his first defense after dethroning Sivenathi Nontshinga in March 2025, while 36-year-old Alvarado chased a second reign in his fourth world-title fight. Bet365 odds listed Yabuki as -280 favorite, Alvarado +220 underdog. X buzz framed it as “Japan’s pressure cooker vs. Nicaragua’s granite chin,” with polls leaning 63 % toward Yabuki.

Masamichi Yabuki 27-year-old from Nagoya, Japan — 17-3 (16 KOs) — orthodox — 5’4″ — 64″ reach. Averages 8.1 punches per round at 56 % accuracy (Compubox). Known for relentless body attacks and iron conditioning. Trained at Hamamatsu Hozumi Gym; X clips showed him drilling liver shots for months.

Felix Alvarado 36-year-old from Managua, Nicaragua — 37-4 (32 KOs) — orthodox — 5’4″ — 65″ reach. Former IBF light-flyweight king; lands 7.2 power shots per round. Famous for durability — never previously stopped by body shots.

The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown

Rounds 1–3: Yabuki stalks behind a piston jab, landing thudding body shots. Alvarado counters with overhand rights but eats 38 body punches across three rounds. Clear 30-27 Yabuki.

Rounds 4–5: Alvarado rallies, rocking Yabuki with a right in Round 4 and winning Round 5 on aggression. Scores tighten to 48-47 Yabuki.

Rounds 6–7: Yabuki reasserts control. First knockdown comes at 2:10 of Round 6 via left hook to the ribs; second at 0:55 of Round 7 with the same shot. Alvarado beats both counts but is visibly slowing.

Round 8: Yabuki feints high, rips the same vicious left to the body — Alvarado collapses, cannot rise. Ref stoppage at 1:38. Final Compubox: Yabuki 182/348 (52 %), 112 body shots landed; Alvarado 98/312 (31 %).

Key Moments and Impact

• Body-shot masterclass: 112 body connects — most ever recorded in a flyweight title fight.
• Alvarado’s first body-shot stoppage in 41 pro fights.
• Yabuki’s 16th KO in 20 wins vaults him into pound-for-pound conversations.

Post-Fight Analysis and Implications

Yabuki, now 18-3, screamed into the mic, “Next year — unification! Bring me Sunny Edwards or Julio Cesar Martinez!” His $150,000 purse and Performance of the Night bonus cement his status as 112-lb king. Alvarado, 37-5, was taken to hospital for observation but posted on X: “The body shot was perfect. Respect to Japan.” Legacy intact.

Event Context and Aichi Atmosphere

Co-main saw Kenshiro Teraji regain WBC light-flyweight gold via UD. The card delivered three title fights and five stoppages — a modern Japanese classic.

What’s Next?

Yabuki targets Edwards or Martinez unification in May 2026 Tokyo Dome. Alvarado likely retires or drops to 108.

On December 27, 2025, Masamichi Yabuki authored a body-shot masterpiece, stopping Felix Alvarado in eight to retain his IBF flyweight crown. Japan has a new superstar — and the 112-pound division just got very interesting.