Kotetsu Boku will make his long awaited promotional debut at Rizin 23. The former ONE Championship lightweight champion faces Jin Aoi in Yokohama in August 10th.
Boku (26-14-2) had originally been penciled in to face Mikuru Asakura on April 19th. But that card was postponed until August and the 43 year old finds himself matched with a different opponent.
He faces former Shooto featherweight title challenger Aoi (7-3). Like Boku he is making his Rizin debut but there is a gulf between the two men in terms of age with two decades separating them.
Also added to the card today was a catchweight contest pitting Yusaku Nakamura (16-7-1) against Tatsuki Saomoto (14-2). Both men have fought for Deep and the latter is riding a ten fight winning streak.
As previously announced Rizin 23 will be headlined by a bantamweight title fight between Kai Asakura and Hiromasa Ogikubo. The card will also feature a 135lbs bout pitting Yuki Motoya against Mamoru Uoi.
The event will take place at the brand new Pia Arena in Yokohama. The 10,000 capacity arena only opened this year but there will be a limit of 5,000 fans.
Rizin 22 is set for the same venue on the previous day.
Rizin 23, Yokohama, August 10th
Hiromasa Ougikubo vs. Kai Asakura (For Bantamweight Title)
Yuki Motoya vs. Mamoru Uoi (Bantamweight)
Yutaka Saito vs. Kazumasa Majima (Catchweight)
Seiichiro Ito vs. Makoto Takahashi (Featherweight)
Kotetsu Boku vs. Jin Aoi (Featherweight)
Yusaku Nakamura vs. Tatsuki Saomoto (Catchweight)
