Hiroto Kyoguchi-Vince Paras joins Ryoichi Taguchi-Hekkie Budler 1

Ryoto Kyoguchi, another of the seemingly endless stream of Japanese wunderkinds dominating the lower weight classes, is all set to make the third defense of his IBF minimumweight title on May 20th against 19-year-old Filipino Vince Paras. The fight will serve as the co-feature for unified light flyweight champ Ryoichi Taguchi’s bout with Hekkie Budler.

Kyoguchi (9-0, 7 KO) earned his title just 15 months after his pro debut, defeating Jose Argumendo last July. He was last seen running roughshod over Carlos Buitrago on New Year’s Eve, winning every round before stopping the Nicaraguan in eight. That win may become more impressive this June depending on how Buitrago does against Angel Acosta.

Paras (13-0, 11 KO) normally campaigns as a light flyweight, where he’s in the WBA and WBO top 10. His résumé is anchored by wins over countrymen Jimboy Haya and Aldren Moreno. He’s taking a massive step up in class, but there’s already a “Next Manny Pacquiao?” thinkpiece on the first page of Googling his name. Can’t argue with that.