By Francisco Salazar

WBC bantamweight world titleholder Shinsuke Yamanaka will defend his title against Carlos Carlson on March 2, Thompson Boxing Promotions announced Monday morning.

The 12 round bout will take place in Tokyo, Japan and will be a co-promotion between Teiken Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

Carlson (22-1, 13 KOs) will be a voluntary defense for Yamanaka.

The Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico resident has not lost since losing his pro debut back in March of 2011. He has been a staple of the Thompson Boxing club shows that take place in the Los Angeles suburbs of Ontario and Corona, winning regional title in the process.

In his last bout on September 23, Carlson survived a first round knockdown to knock out Alex Rangel in the second round.

Carlson has done well against modest opposition thus far in his pro career, but acknowledges Yamanaka is a significant step up in opposition.

"It's without question the toughest fight of my career," said Carlson. "All the hard work and sacrifices have built up to this moment and I'm going to seize this opportunity. I'll be coming home a world champion."

"Carlson is ready to do whatever it takes to become a world champion," said Thompson Boxing Promotions president Ken Thompson. "He's paid his dues and made his sacrifices."

Yamanaka (26-0-2, 18 KOs) will be making the 11th defense of his WBC title. The 34-year-old southpaw from Tokyo survived a knockdown to Anselmo Moreno before stopping him in the seventh round of a compelling and thrilling fight on September 16.

The Tokyo resident, who has been fighting as a pro for over 11 years, has defended the title with wins over Liborio Solis, Alberto Guevera, and Vic Darchinyan. 

Francisco A. Salazar has written for Boxingscene.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (Calif.) Star newspaper, RingTV, and Knockout Nation. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing