On Saturday, IBF junior flyweight titlist Masamichi Yabuki will bid to become a two-weight world champion when he faces IBF flyweight beltholder Angel Ayala at Aichi Sky Expo, Tokoname, Japan.

Yabuki claimed the IBF 108-pound title impressively stopping Sivenathi Nontshinga (TKO 9) last time out but decided to move up in weight without defending his belt.

"There is no rival left at junior flyweight and also the weight cut is getting difficult for me," Yabuki (17-4, 16 knockouts) told The Ring. "I thought it would bring more excitement to fight at flyweight."

The match up figures to be an exciting one with both boxers liking to fight on the front foot.

"Ayala is aggressive and tough and has a strong heart, great stamina," said Yabuki. "He is a great champion.

"I think my speed and technique may be an advantage."

Yabuki, whose younger brother Masamori Rikiishi will fight Eduardo Nunez for the vacant IBF junior lightweight title on May 28, burst on to the scene when he shocked Kenshiro Teraji (TKO 10) to win the WBC title in 2021.

However, Teraji exacted revenge regaining his title in three-rounds six-months later.

While their rivalry is currently 1-1, Yabuki isn't getting ahead of himself with notions of a rubber match, just yet anyway.

"As I am not the flyweight champion yet, so I would like to focus on fighting with strong champion Ayala now," he said.

"That kind of thing I want to think about when I win this title fight and become champion."

Ayala (18-0, 8 KOs), rated at No. 2 by The Ring at flyweight, entered world scene when he scored a hugely impressive win over former titleholder Cristofer Rosales (UD 12).

The 24-year-old Mexican become the first man to stop 32-fight veteran Miguel Angel Herrera (TKO 1). He had to get off the canvas to edge past Felix Alvarado (SD 12) but came good impressively stopping Dave Apolinario (KO 6) to win the IBF title.