Capuloy Set for High-Stakes Clash with Former World Champion Ogawa in Tokyo
Filipino boxer Rhonvex Capuloy is gearing up for the most significant match of his professional career, as he is scheduled to face former world champion Kenichi Ogawa on April 4, 2026. The highly anticipated bout will take place at the iconic Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter in the boxing world.
Coach Tepora Acknowledges the Challenge Ahead
Capuloy's coach, Christopher "Ping-Ping" Tepora from the Big Yellow Boxing Gym, has openly discussed the difficulties of this upcoming fight. He emphasized that Ogawa's status as a former world champion and the match being held in Japan add layers of complexity to the challenge. However, Tepora expressed unwavering confidence in his fighter, stating that Capuloy's strength and bravery could lead to a victory. He highlighted the team's commitment to rigorous training, noting that the outcome remains unpredictable and could swing in either direction.
Capuloy's Journey and Recent Performance
At 29 years old, Capuloy has prior experience fighting in Japan, including a loss by technical knockout in the fourth round against Japanese prospect Shunpei Ohata in 2024. Despite this setback, he demonstrated resilience by bouncing back with three wins in his next four fights. His victories included defeating Michael Adolfo and Jason Tinampay twice, with his only loss during this period coming against the undefeated Cuban boxer Dayan Gonzalez. Capuloy's team is optimistic that a win over Ogawa could propel him into the world rankings, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
Ogawa's Veteran Status and Recent Form
Kenichi Ogawa, a 38-year-old veteran, brings a wealth of experience to the ring as a former world champion. He clinched the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super-featherweight title in 2021 by defeating Azinga Fuzile in New York, but lost the belt the following year when Joe Cordina knocked him out in the second round in the United Kingdom. Since then, Ogawa has maintained a strong record, winning his last four fights, all against Filipino boxers. His combination of experience and power makes him a formidable opponent, adding to the intensity of this matchup.
Fighters' Records and Undercard Bout
Capuloy currently holds a professional record of 14 wins, 4 losses, and 3 draws, with 11 knockouts, showcasing his knockout ability. In contrast, Ogawa boasts an impressive record of 31 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, with 22 knockouts, underscoring his dominance in the ring. Additionally, the event will feature an undercard bout with Carlo Bacaro facing Ryota Toyoshima in a World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia-Pacific super-welterweight contest, adding more excitement to the fight card.
