All Star Boxing, Inc. and its president, Felix “Tuto” Zabala, have reportedly finalized a deal to sign undefeated light flyweight prospect Yuga Ozaki to a multi-year promotional contract. The Florida-based promotional firm has partnered with former WBO super featherweight champion Masayuki Ito and his Treasure Boxing Promotion to manage the Japanese southpaw’s career. The deal aims to accelerate Ozaki’s path toward a world title shot, starting with a scheduled eight-round bout against Jonathan Refugio in Manila.
The acquisition of Ozaki, who maintains an unblemished professional record, represents a strategic deepening of the ties between American and Japanese boxing markets. Ozaki has already distinguished himself in the lower weight classes, having captured the WBC World Youth and WBO Asia Pacific light flyweight titles. This pedigree has made him one of the most watched young talents emerging from Japan’s storied boxing scene, where the lighter divisions frequently produce some of the sport’s pound-for-pound elite.
Zabala’s decision to link up with Masayuki Ito is a reunion of sorts. The two worked together during the period when Ito won his world title in Florida, and that existing relationship appears to be the foundation for this new talent pipeline. By securing a fighter like Ozaki, All Star Boxing is positioning itself to capitalize on the increasing global interest in the light flyweight division, which is often headlined by some of the most dangerous boxers 2026 has to offer on the international stage.
Strategic Alliance Between Zabala and Treasure Boxing
The promotional landscape in Japan is undergoing a generational shift, with former champions like Ito stepping into executive roles. Reports indicate that Zabala views Ito’s transition into the “new generation” of promoters as a primary reason for the collaboration. The partnership is designed to provide Ozaki with the logistical support required to fight both in Asia and North America, ensuring he gains the necessary exposure to climb the world rankings.
For All Star Boxing, the signing follows a consistent pattern of identifying regional champions and integrating them into their broader broadcast platforms. The company has a long history of moving fighters through the ranks toward major network appearances. While some prospects may struggle with the transition to international training camps, others, such as Darius Fulghum moving to Los Angeles, have shown that a change in management can be a vital piece of the championship puzzle.
Ozaki’s development will be closely watched by fans of the lighter divisions. Experts suggest that his southpaw stance and noted power in his weight class make him a difficult matchup for many established contenders at 108 pounds. The collaboration with Ito’s Treasure Boxing is expected to ensure that Ozaki is not just fighting regularly, but facing the right opponents to bridge the gap between prospect and contender status.
Upcoming Debut in the Philippines Sets the Pace
The first test under this new promotional banner is expected to take place in the Philippines. Facing Jonathan Refugio in an eight-round contest is a calculated move to keep the young Japanese fighter active while testing his ability to perform in a hostile “away” environment. This type of matchmaking is often considered essential for prospects who intend to eventually challenge for world honours on foreign soil.
Maintaining momentum remains key for any fighter in their early twenties. Just as Scrappy Ramirez navigates the super flyweight path with a blend of patience and activity, Ozaki’s team is looking to balance natural aggression with strategic career movements. If he succeeds in his upcoming regional appearance, the door will likely open for a major televised appearance later this year.
Building a Global Powerhouse in the Light Flyweight Division
The light flyweight division is currently a hotbed for high-level technical boxing, and Ozaki’s entry into a major US-based promotional firm signals a clear intent to move him toward the major sanctioning bodies. His team reportedly remains confident that Ozaki possesses the discipline necessary to join the long lineage of great Japanese world champions.
The deal also reflects the shifting dynamics of the sport, where independent promoters are increasingly finding creative ways to compete with larger entities. By forming a “bridge” between the US and Japan, All Star Boxing can offer fighters a unique career trajectory that isn’t always available through traditional domestic-only signings.
