Andy Hiraoka Cleared For Russell Title Fight After Visa Delay

Hiraoka received confirmation from the U.S. embassy that his travel visa had been approved, allowing him to go away Japan and fly to Las Vegas for Saturday night’s championship bout.

Visa approval saves title fight

“Andy Hiraoka received the decision from the embassy in Japan and was approved for his visa to travel to Las Vegas for his title challenge of Gary Antuanne Russell,” Mike Coppinger reported. “He’s flying out tomorrow.”

The approval ends days of uncertainty that had placed the fight doubtful. Fans had raised concerns about whether Hiraoka would receive clearance in time, given the narrow window before the scheduled title bout.

Hiraoka enters the fight because the WBA’s number one-ranked contender at 140 kilos and stays unbeaten with 24 victories. The title challenge represents the most important opportunity of his profession and his first fight outside Japan since moving into world title contention.

Russell, the reigning WBA light welterweight champion, will defend his belt on the undercard of the Mario Barrios vs Ryan Garcia event at T-Mobile Arena. Russell won the vacant title earlier this 12 months and now faces his first defense against the division’s top mandatory challenger.

Travel clearance is a routine requirement for international fighters, but delays can disrupt championship schedules when approval comes too near the fight date. Hiraoka’s late clearance ensures the fight will proceed as planned slightly than requiring a alternative opponent or postponement.

The timing leaves Hiraoka with limited adjustment time before fight night, but his arrival preserves the championship matchup that had been liable to cancellation.