Akira Yaegashi is a Japanese former professional boxer who held world titles in three weight classes, including the WBA minimumweight, WBC flyweight, and IBF light flyweight titles.
Known for his resilience and action-packed fights, Yaegashi’s career spanned from 2005 to 2019, making him one of Japan’s most respected fighters.
Let’s look back at Akira Yaegashi’s professional career and achievements. Here we will also have Akira Yaegashi’s net worth and prize money earnings from notable fights.
Akira Yaegashi’s Biography
| Full Name | Akira Yaegashi |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 25, 1983 |
| Place of Birth | Kitakami, Iwate, Japan |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Height | 5 ft 3 in (160 cm) |
| Reach | 63 in (160 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Professional Debut | March 26, 2005 |
Akira Yaegashi was born on February 25, 1983, in Kitakami, Iwate, Japan. He began boxing at an early age and quickly rose through the ranks with his tenacity and heart inside the ring.
Yaegashi became a fan favorite throughout his career due to his aggressive fighting style and ability to bounce back from tough situations.
Professional Career Overview
Yaegashi made his professional debut in March 2005, quickly establishing himself as a rising star in Japan. His first major title came in 2011 when he won the WBA minimumweight title, defeating Pornsawan Porpramook in a thrilling contest that earned him recognition worldwide.
His ability to fight through adversity was on full display in this bout, where he overcame early challenges to secure a 10th-round stoppage.
In 2013, Yaegashi moved up to the flyweight division, capturing the WBC flyweight title after defeating Toshiyuki Igarashi.
His fights during this period were marked by his relentless attacking style and ability to withstand significant punishment, earning him a reputation as one of the toughest fighters in the lighter weight divisions.
His most notable fight came in 2014 when he faced Román “Chocolatito” González in a bout for the WBC flyweight title. Though Yaegashi lost via knockout in the ninth round, he put up a valiant effort against the Nicaraguan pound-for-pound star.
Later in his career, Yaegashi transitioned to the light flyweight division, where he captured the IBF light flyweight title in 2015 by defeating Javier Mendoza. After a successful title defense, he eventually lost the title to Milan Melindo in 2017.
Akira Yaegashi suffered a loss to Moruti Mthalane on December 23, 2019, at Yokohama Arena, Japan. The bout was for the IBF flyweight title, and Mthalane won by TKO in the ninth round, at 2:54.
He retired in 2019 with a professional record of 28 wins, 7 losses, and 16 wins by knockout.
Achievements
- WBA Minimumweight World Champion
- WBC Flyweight World Champion
- IBF Light Flyweight World Champion
- Known for being a three-division world champion in his career
Akira Yaegashi’s Net Worth Details
Akira Yaegashi’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million as of 2025. His earnings primarily came from his world title fights and pay-per-view bouts in Japan.
It is estimated that he earned significant purses during his championship reigns, with a career total estimated at $1-2 million.
The biggest payday of his career was likely against Román González in 2014, where he earned a substantial sum, although exact details remain undisclosed.
Prize Money Earnings
| Opponent | Date | Purse | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Román González | Sep 5, 2014 | $250,000+ | Loss (KO) |
| Javier Mendoza | Dec 29, 2015 | $150,000 | Win (UD) |
| Milan Melindo | May 21, 2017 | $200,000 | Loss (KO) |
Net Worth Growth
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $1 million |
| 2018 | $1.2 million |
| 2019 | $1.5 million |
| 2020 | $1.6 million |
| 2021 | $1.8 million |
Endorsements
Akira Yaegashi has endorsed a few brands throughout his career, mainly local Japanese companies.
Professional Boxing Records
| 35 fights | 28 wins | 7 losses |
|---|---|---|
| By knockout | 16 | 4 |
| By decision | 12 | 3 |
FAQs
1. Who is Akira Yaegashi?
Akira Yaegashi is a retired Japanese professional boxer born on February 25, 1983, in Kitakami, Iwate. Competing from 2005 to 2019, he became a three-weight world champion, holding titles in the mini-flyweight, flyweight, and light-flyweight divisions. Known for his resilience and exciting fighting style, he had a career record of 28 wins and 7 losses.
2. What are Akira Yaegashi’s major achievements in boxing?
Yaegashi was a three-division world champion. He held the WBA mini-flyweight title (2011-2012), the WBC and The Ring flyweight titles (2013-2014), and the IBF light-flyweight title (2015-2016). His 2011 fight against Pornsawan Porpramook was named Fight of the Year by ESPN and BoxingScene.
3. How did Akira Yaegashi start his boxing career?
Yaegashi had an impressive amateur career with a record of 56-14, winning the Inter-High School Championship and the National Sports Festival of Japan. He turned professional in 2005, debuting with a first-round knockout victory and quickly establishing himself as a rising star in Japanese boxing.
4. What was Akira Yaegashi’s fighting style?
Yaegashi was known for his aggressive and high-action fighting style. He often engaged in toe-to-toe battles, showcasing remarkable endurance and heart. His fights were popular for their entertainment value, earning him recognition as one of boxing’s most exciting fighters.
5. What is Akira Yaegashi’s most memorable fight?
One of his most memorable fights was against Pornsawan Porpramook in 2011 for the WBA mini-flyweight title. The bout was an intense back-and-forth battle that ended with Yaegashi winning via a tenth-round TKO. It earned multiple Fight of the Year honors for its drama and action.
6. Why did Akira Yaegashi retire from boxing?
Yaegashi retired in 2019 after a 14-year professional career. At age 37, he cited his inability to continue as an active boxer despite not feeling physical limitations. He expressed gratitude to fans for their support throughout his career during his retirement announcement.
7. How many world titles did Akira Yaegashi win during his career?
Yaegashi won three world titles across different weight classes: the WBA mini-flyweight title, the WBC and The Ring flyweight titles, and the IBF light-flyweight title. This achievement made him one of Japan’s most accomplished boxers.
8. What challenges did Akira Yaegashi face during his career?
Yaegashi faced several challenges, including injuries such as a dislocated TMJ suffered during his first world title fight in 2007. Despite setbacks like this and multiple defeats, he consistently rebounded to claim championships in three weight divisions.
9. What is Akira Yaegashi’s legacy in boxing?
Yaegashi is remembered as one of Japan’s greatest boxers and an action hero of the sport. His thrilling fights, warrior spirit, and ability to compete at the highest level across three divisions secured his place among boxing legends.
10. What is Akira Yaegashi doing after retirement?
Since retiring, Yaegashi has stayed connected to boxing through commentary and mentoring young fighters at Ohashi Gym. His contributions to Japanese boxing continue beyond his active career, inspiring future generations of athletes.
