Masanori Rikiishi

Rikiishi suffered an early setback in his pro career. He was stopped in just his third fight by veteran Kosuke Saka. Rikiishi couldn't keep Saka off him and was dropped by a right hand in the second round. Rikiishi rose but the referee soon intervened after another flurry by Saka.^[3]

Rikiishi improved over his next couple of fights and became one of the best prospects in the super-featherweight division. Rikiishi took on the experienced Ricardo Nunez of Panama. Rikiishi stopped Nunez in the third round, dropping him with multiple body shots. After the fight Rikiishi called out world champion Emanuel Navarrete.^[4]

Rikiishi took on Michael Magnesi for the WBC Silver super-featherweight belt. In what was one of the fights of the year, Rikiishi who was behind on all 3 judges scorecards stopped Magnesi in the final round.Rikiishi dropped Magnesi early in the round but the Italian managed to beat the count. Rikiishi knocked Magnesi down again straight but once again he beat the count. Near the end Magnesi was given a third count for falling into the ropes from exhaustion. An onslaught from Rikiishi saw the fight been waved off.^[5]