When
Japanese superstar Kazuto Ioka abdicated his WBC/WBA thrones at strawweight, he
left openings for other fighters, including Ryo Miyazaki, a career light flyweight
and the reigning OPBF 108-pound champion. The allure of a world title meant Ryo
dropped the extra three pounds and met Thailand’s Pornsawan Porpramook last New
Year’s Eve, winning the vacant WBA strap via split decision with scores of
116-111, 116-112 and 113-114, improving his record to 18-0-3 (10). The 24-year-old
hopes to soon go back up in weight but first makes his maiden defence when he
tackles WBA #7 contender Mexico’s Carlos Velarde today in his adopted home of
Osaka as chief support to Ioka, who faces Wisanu Kokietgym.
Anson Wainwright - You won the
vacant WBA strawweight title when you dropped down to 105 and narrowly beat Pornsawan
Porpramook on points in an exciting fight. Could you tell us about it?
Ryo Miyazaki - It was hard. I had not able to take
advantage of my potential because I had lost weight; however, I wanted to fight
with more speed. He was tougher than I expected. He took the punches and kept
coming forward. His force was amazing.
AW - Could you tell us about
your first defence?
RM - 8th May, Carlos Velarde. The WBA
expects him to win. I will fight to get the KO win in the first round.
AW - Has anything in your life
changed since you won the world title?
RM – Yes, my life has changed drastically. Everybody
knows me now. I am more popular. That's why I followed boxing. If it had not
changed, I would have abandoned boxing. For now, my first defence is most
important.
AW - Up until you beat
Pornsawan, all your fights had taken place at light flyweight or even flyweight.
You were world-ranked and had won the Japanese national title as well as the
OPBF title. How hard was it for you to get down to 105?
RM - It was very hard to lower my weight. I started
to go down in weight two months
prior than usual. It took more time to lower my
weight.
AW
– You’re promoted by Kazuta Ioka Promotions. He's also a two-division world
champion, having won on the same card as you. Could you tell us a little about
the relationship the two of you share?
RM - Our relationship is not only that of a
professor and student. [Kazuta’s father, Kazunori Ioka] is my father. Even
though we are not related by blood, to me, he is my father. I met him when I
was a high school student. He led me since being an amateur until now as a
professional. He taught me to box. Thanks to him, I am now a champion.
Kazuto is real star, a really good fellow. I
will follow him.
AW
- Now that you have won a world title at strawweight, what other goals do you
have in boxing?
RM - I want to go up in weight as soon as
possible. I want to be at junior flyweight. This is my first step. Step by step,
I will go up in weight.
AW
- What are your thoughts on the strawweight division and the other champions,
WBC titlist Xiong Zhao Zhong, WBA interim champ Jesus Silvestre, IBF titleholder
Katsunari Takayama and WBO champ Moises Fuentes?
RM - I think I am the best in this weight class.
Confidence is power. I will fight everyone if it offers a good purse.
AW
- What were your early years like growing up in Ota, Gunma, Japan?
RM - In school, I concentrated on boxing. My
school life was only boxing. I was in a juvenile correction center when I was a
high school student. I was very sorry and it reflected very much on my way of
life. During that time I met Mr. Kazunori Ioka and he took me to the world
championship. He showed me the way I have to go and life I like. I think that to find one’s self is to change our life.
AW
- How did you first become interested in boxing?
RM - My father was a boxer. He taught me the
basics when I was a boy. I was interested in boxing.
AW - Away from boxing, can you
tell us about your life, your hobbies and interests are?
RM - Now when I have time, I go to a Japanese
public bath and then I enjoy Karaoke. My hobby is bass fishing. I go everywhere
to go fishing in the early
mornings.
AW - Who are your boxing heroes?
Who do you like to watch today?
RM - Arturo Gatti. I think he is a real man who
knew fighting. I like him still. And actually, I like Floyd Mayweather. He is a
great master of boxing.
AW
– Finally, do you have a message for the strawweight division?
RM - I would consider fighting to unify the titles
if the offer is a good purse.
