Daiya Kira knocks out Carlos Cañizales to become new WBA Light Flyweight champion – World Boxing Association

Undefeated young sensation Daiya Kira passed the toughest test of his professional career to date in spectacular fashion, knocking out experienced Venezuelan former world champion Carlos “CCC” Cañizales in the seventh round to capture the World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Flyweight title in Yokohama.

The fight began at a furious pace. Cañizales, true to his aggressive fighting style, came out determined to impose himself at close range, driving Kira toward the ropes and landing heavy hooks to the body in an effort to slow down the local fighter’s movement.

Kira, however, absorbed the early pressure with remarkable composure. As the fight progressed, he began to solve the Venezuelan’s attacks through precise work at mid-range and a sharp, quick counter jab that allowed him to take control of the action.

The dramatic finish came in the decisive seventh round. After making Cañizales miss with a forward attack, Kira found the perfect opening and unleashed a devastating straight-right hand combination to the chin that sent the Venezuelan crashing backward to the canvas.

“CCC” showed tremendous courage in attempting to rise, but the damage had been done. The referee reached the count of ten, bringing the contest to a definitive conclusion and sparking celebrations throughout the Yokohama venue.

With the spectacular stoppage victory, Daiya Kira remains undefeated, captures the coveted WBA black-and-gold belt at 108 pounds, and further establishes himself as one of the brightest new stars in Japanese boxing in 2026.