Andy Hiraoka cleared for Russell title fight after visa delay

Hiraoka received confirmation from the US Embassy that his travel visa has been approved, allowing him to leave Japan and fly to Las Vegas for Saturday night’s championship game.

Visa approval saves title fight

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

The approval ends days of uncertainty that threw the battle into doubt. Fans expressed concern over whether Hiraoka would get approval in time given the tight window before the scheduled title match.

Hiraoka enters the fight as the WBA’s number one contender at 140 pounds and remains undefeated with 24 wins. The title challenge represents the biggest event of his career and his first fight outside of Japan since entering 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 year 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 close to the fight date. Hiraoka’s late clearance ensures the fight will go ahead as planned rather than requiring a replacement opponent or postponement.

The timing leaves Hiraoka with limited adjustment time before fight night, but his arrival preserves the championship match that was at risk of being canceled.