Hanada Took the Youth Title
Hayate Hanada defeated Kenneth Rapista by unanimous decision on October 25, 2025, at Bishkek Arena in Kyrgyzstan. The ten-round victory secured the vacant IBF Youth super flyweight title, with judges scoring the contest 98–92, 98–92 and 96–94 for Hanada.
Two young professionals met for a developmental championship
Rapista entered with seven victories, including six knockouts, and no defeats. The twenty-one-year-old from Davao City was making his first attempt to win the IBF Youth title.
Hanada, twenty-three, brought a more varied professional record into the assignment. The vacant championship gave both boxers the chance to add a recognized youth title to the early stages of their careers.
Ten completed rounds produced agreement on the winner
The bout reached the final bell rather than ending through a stoppage. Although the judges differed about the margin, all three favored Hanada after the scheduled distance.
Two cards gave the Japanese boxer an eight-round-to-two advantage, while the third was closer. Their agreement on the winner made the result a unanimous decision rather than a split or majority verdict.
The result formed part of a difficult night for Filipino entrants
Rapista suffered his first professional defeat, while Hanada improved to five wins, one loss and one draw. The title was an IBF Youth championship, distinct from the organization’s senior world championship.
On the same Bishkek card, John Riel Casimero lost to Kyonosuke Kameda and Reymart Tagacanao was defeated by Ayumu Sano. Hanada’s result added another Japanese victory to that international program.
Sources
- PhilBoxing: ages, title stakes and records
- The 13th Round: ten-round scorecards
- Boxing Meikan: Hanada’s result and scorecards
