Mizuki Hiruta retains WBO title with decision over Carla Merino

Mizuki Hiruta successfully defended her WBO super flyweight title against Carla Ayelen Merino in a contest that showcased technical skill, tactical discipline, and championship composure from the Japanese southpaw. The bout, held at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles, saw Hiruta enter as the undefeated champion at 7-0 with two knockouts, while Merino, the 25-year-old Argentine, arrived with a 16-2 record and four stoppages, riding a ten-fight win streak and holding the WBC Silver super flyweight belt. Both fighters had built reputations as pressure specialists with high output, but Hiruta’s control and accuracy ultimately separated her in the ring.

Hiruta established her jab from the opening round as the key weapon, dictating the pace and keeping Merino at range. The champion’s southpaw stance and reach advantage were evident, allowing her to land clean shots while making Merino miss with her more powerful punches. Merino, fighting out of an orthodox stance, tried to apply pressure and close the distance, but Hiruta’s movement and defensive awareness consistently frustrated her efforts. Whenever Merino sought to up the tempo and force exchanges, Hiruta responded with sharp counters and lateral movement, never allowing the challenger to settle into a rhythm.

As the rounds progressed, the pattern remained consistent. Hiruta’s jab continued to score, and she mixed in straight lefts and body shots to keep Merino guessing. The Argentine’s attempts to cut off the ring were met with resistance, as Hiruta’s footwork allowed her to pivot away from danger and reset the action in the centre of the ring. Both fighters showed moments of aggression, but Hiruta landed the cleaner, more effective punches, while Merino’s output was often smothered or fell short. The champion’s ring generalship was on full display as she controlled the distance and tempo, forcing Merino to chase the fight without letting her gain sustained momentum.

Merino’s urgency grew in the middle rounds, but Hiruta’s composure never wavered. The Japanese champion picked her moments to engage, slipping Merino’s attacks and responding with combinations that scored to both head and body. Merino’s best moments came when she managed to back Hiruta to the ropes, but even then, the champion’s defence held firm and she quickly spun out of trouble or tied up to prevent any sustained assault. The action, while competitive, was primarily dictated by Hiruta’s tactical discipline and ability to neutralize Merino’s strengths.

Entering the championship rounds, it was clear that Merino needed something dramatic to overturn the deficit. She pressed forward with greater intensity, but Hiruta’s accuracy and timing continued to frustrate her. The champion’s jab remained a constant factor, and she punctuated the later rounds with crisp left hands that caught Merino coming in. As the final bell sounded, there was little doubt about the outcome, with the judges rewarding Hiruta’s technical superiority and ring control. The official scores reflected her dominance, with two judges scoring the bout 98-92 and the third 99-91 in favour of the defending champion.

With this victory, Mizuki Hiruta improved her professional record to 8-0, retaining her WBO super flyweight title for the fourth time. Her performance reinforced her status as one of the division’s most skilled and composed champions, blending amateur pedigree with professional poise. Carla Ayelen Merino, now 16-3, showed heart and determination but was ultimately outboxed by a champion at the peak of her powers. For Hiruta, the win sets up potential unification opportunities or high-profile defences, while Merino will look to regroup and rebuild, having fallen short in her biggest opportunity to date.

The contest may not have delivered dramatic momentum swings or knockdowns but showcased elite-level boxing fundamentals. Hiruta’s jab, movement, and tactical discipline were the difference, as she controlled the action and left no doubt about her championship credentials. As the super flyweight division continues to develop, Hiruta remains a name to watch, her blend of skill and composure marking her as a standout among her peers. For fans of technical boxing and strategic battles, this title defence was a masterclass from the Japanese champion.