Japanese contender Ken Shiro will challenge Ganigan Lopez for the WBC junior flyweight title on Saturday in just his 10th professional fight.

Shiro (9-0, 5 Knockouts) is pleased to have procured the opportunity inside three years of turning pro.

“I think I have received a chance to fight for a world title earlier than expected,” Shiro told RingTV.com through Tomoyuki Kataoka. “However, I should definitely utilize this great opportunity to become a world champion.”

The 25 year old is keen to test his skills against the vastly more experienced veteran.

“His strength is his experienced technique,” the Kyoto resident said of Lopez. “Therefore, any opponent cannot focus exclusively on any part of him during his bout. In addition, he can always change positions of his feet and head and therefore he can always make a good defense against hard punches from any opponent.

“However, to the contrary, he puts his priority not on power of punches but on speed of punches and therefore I do not feel any threat from his punches.”

Lopez will be returning to Japan for the first time since unseating Yu Kimura 14 months ago.

The Mexico City-born fighter has been a pro for 14 years, is 10 years older than Shiro, and holds a clear edge in experience, illustrated by his record of 28-6, 17 KOs.

Shiro, THE RING’s No. 10-rated junior flyweight, isn’t concerned about the edge in experience that the No. 3-ranked Lopez will bring to their fight and is solely focused on himself.

“I have to prevent myself from getting caught up in what his management says about his experience,” he said confidently. “It will be very important for me to keep the initiative by always using my left jab.”

Shiro has prepared for this opportunity in Tokyo, where the fight takes place, sparring several top amateurs and pros to get used to Lopez’ southpaw style.

It would be a big moment in any fighter’s career but fighting for the WBC 108-pound title will allow him to pass his fathers achievements.

“My father was a professional boxer and won both Japanese and OPBF titles,” he explained. “I also have these titles. If I win this time bout, I will overcome my father. However, anyway, I would like to think of this bout as a new starting point as a pro boxer to become a greater boxer.”

Time will tell but this is a significant opportunity in his fledgling career.

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