Masimichi Yabuki and Kenshiro Teraji are ready to do it all over again.

A rematch to one of the biggest upsets of 2021 is officially set, as Yabuki and Teraji will meet again March 19 at Kyoto City Gymnasium In Kyoto, Japan. The same venue hosted their first fight, which saw Yabuki score a stunning tenth-round knockout to claim the WBC junior flyweight title last September 22.

The event was formally announced during a press conference hosted Monday by Shinsei Promotions, Teraji’s promoter.

“I am fortunate to have an immediate rematch,” Teraji stated during the press session. “I want to seize this opportunity and regain my championship.”

Teraji (18-1, 10KOs) held the WBC strap for more than four years prior to their first fight, having made eight successful title defenses. The 30-year-old Kyoto native was viewed as no worse than the second best junior flyweight titlist at the time of his fight with Yabuki, entering as a massive favorite over his countryman.

Yabuki (13-3, 12KOs) was game for the cause in his first major title fight, which was met with a twelve-day delay after Teraji tested positive for Covid ahead of their originally scheduled September 10 date. Yabuki jumped out to a strong start, sweeping the first four rounds on two of the three scorecards and continuing with his attack.

Teraju turned the tide in the second half of the fight, though was forced to overcome a severe cut over his right eye. Yabuki dug deep to capitalize but showed signs of fatigue. It provided false hope for Teraji, who went toe to toe with Yabuki who rocked the defending champ late in round ten and battered him along the ropes until referee Yuji Fukuchi waved off the contest.

The 29-year-old defending titlist from Nagoya is eager to do it all again, though well aware of the odds remaining in his opponent’s favor.

“[Teraji] is a fighter with a higher overall skill level,” acknowledged Yabuki, who will attempt his first title defense. “Just like [the first fight], I will enter with the challenger’s mindset and defend my title.”

TV rights were not yet revealed during the press session. The first fight was carried by Cantera Doga Pay-Per-View.

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox