Vince Paras Set for High-Stakes Return in International Boxing Event
Former world title challenger Vince Paras is poised to make a significant comeback in the ring, headlining an international boxing event scheduled from April 17 to 19, 2026, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The 27-year-old Filipino boxer will compete on the final day, April 19, in an eight-round bout against rising Japanese star Aoi Yokoyama at the Gazprom Sports Complex.
Paras Aims to Reclaim World Ranking Spot
Paras is determined to climb back into the world rankings, with a victory in this fight potentially propelling him closer to another shot at a world title. His career has been marked by resilience, having once challenged for a world title in 2018 but falling short. From 2019 to 2024, he secured eight wins in nine fights, including a notable victory over Japanese rival Hiroto Kyoguchi. However, he later lost to Kyoguchi in their third encounter.
After that setback, Paras won three consecutive matches before suffering a loss to Ricardo Malajika in a title fight in South Africa last year. In his most recent bout, he demonstrated his fighting spirit with a second-round stoppage win over veteran Jaysever Abcede in February 2026.
Yokoyama: An Unbeaten Rising Contender
On the other side of the ring, Aoi Yokoyama, a 24-year-old Japanese boxer, presents a formidable challenge. Currently ranked No. 14 by the International Boxing Federation in the super-flyweight division, Yokoyama is viewed as a young fighter on the rise. He turned professional in 2024 and immediately made an impact, winning his debut fight by stoppage.
Yokoyama has since defeated Filipino fighters Denmark Quibido and Giemel Magramo, with the latter victory earning him the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) super-flyweight title. He successfully defended this belt against Ryusei Baba last year, maintaining an unbeaten record of four wins.
Key Statistics and Event Highlights
Paras boasts a professional record of 25 wins, four losses, and one draw, with 19 knockouts, showcasing his power and experience. In contrast, Yokoyama's unblemished record of four wins highlights his potential and skill in the early stages of his career.
Adding to the event's excitement, three-division world champion Johnriel Casimero will also feature in the lineup, facing Luis Nery on April 18. This international boxing spectacle promises to deliver thrilling matches and significant implications for the fighters' careers.
