Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Andy Hiraoka

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 22, 2026

Discover the career path of Andy Hiraoka, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Andy Justice Hiraoka is a Japanese professional boxer hailing from Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. He has achieved recognition as a former World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Asia Pacific Super Lightweight Champion.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

December 3, 2013: First Professional Win

On December 3, 2013, Andy Hiraoka debuted as a professional boxer and fought Katsuhiko Kudo at Korakuen Hall. He won by TKO in the fourth round.

December 21, 2014: Withdrawal from All-Japan Rookie of the Year Title Match

On December 21, 2014, Hiraoka was scheduled to compete for the All-Japan Rookie of the Year title against Shogo Yamaguchi. However, he withdrew from the match due to the flu.

September 2016: Transfer to Ohashi Boxing Gym

In September 2016, Andy Hiraoka transferred to Ohashi Boxing Gym after returning to Japan.

November 11, 2017: First Japanese Super Lightweight Youth Champion

On November 11, 2017, at the "DANGAN 200" event, Hiraoka won the tournament final against Takahiko Kobayashi by TKO to become the first Japanese super lightweight youth champion.

September 11, 2018: First Youth Title Defense

On September 11, 2018, Hiraoka successfully defended his youth title for the first time by defeating Ukyo Yoshikai at the 65th Phoenix Battle via TKO in the third round.

April 8, 2019: Match Cancellation

On April 8, 2019, Andy Hiraoka's scheduled match was canceled due to the arrest of his opponent.

July 12, 2019: Victory Over Akihiro Kondo

On July 12, 2019, Hiraoka faced and defeated Akihiro Kondo, a former Japanese lightweight champion, by unanimous decision at Korakuen Hall.

October 3, 2019: Relinquished Japanese Super Lightweight Youth Championship

On October 3, 2019, Andy Hiraoka relinquished his Japanese Super Lightweight Youth Championship.

November 26, 2019: Signed with Top Rank

On November 26, 2019, it was announced that Andy Hiraoka had signed with Top Rank.

November 30, 2019: US Debut Win

On November 30, 2019, Andy Hiraoka made his US debut at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Nevada, defeating Rogelio Cázares by knockout.

November 1, 2020: Victory over Ricky Edwards

On November 1, 2020, Andy Hiraoka fought Ricky Edwards at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and won by TKO.

February 11, 2021: Fought at Charity Boxing Event

On February 11, 2021, Andy Hiraoka participated in the charity boxing event “LEGEND” held at the National Yoyogi Stadium.

March 11, 2021: Defeated Fumio Kimura

On March 11, 2021, Andy Hiraoka defeated Fumio Kimura by TKO at Korakuen Hall.

October 19, 2021: Claimed WBO Asia Pacific Title

On October 19, 2021, Andy Hiraoka defeated Sasaki Tsutomu by TKO to claim the WBO Asia Pacific super lightweight title at Korakuen Hall in a match with irregular rules due to Sasaki's weigh-in issues.

February 28, 2022: Victory Over Aoki Christiano

On February 28, 2022, Andy Hiraoka defeated Aoki Christiano by TKO at Korakuen Hall.

June 7, 2022: Defeated Shun Akaiwa

On June 7, 2022, Andy Hiraoka defeated Shun Akaiwa by TKO at Saitama Super Arena.

September 13, 2022: Third WBO Asia Pacific Title Defense

On September 13, 2022, Andy Hiraoka successfully defended his WBO Asia Pacific title for the third time by defeating Alvin Lagumbay by TKO at Korakuen Hall.

December 13, 2022: Fourth WBO Asia Pacific Title Defense

On December 13, 2022, Andy Hiraoka successfully defended his WBO Asia Pacific title for the fourth time by defeating Min Ho Jung by TKO at Ariake Arena on the undercard of the Naoya Inoue vs. Paul Butler fight.

January 16, 2023: Relinquished Japanese Super Lightweight Title

On January 16, 2023, Andy Hiraoka relinquished his Japanese super lightweight title.

June 10, 2023: Relinquished WBO Asia Pacific Title

On June 10, 2023, Andy Hiraoka relinquished his WBO Asia Pacific super lightweight title to pursue a world title challenge.

September 3, 2024: Earned Right to Challenge for WBA World Title

On September 3, 2024, Andy Hiraoka defeated Ismael Barroso by TKO at the Ariake Arena, earning the right to challenge Jose Valenzuela for the WBA World Super Lightweight title, although Barroso was stripped of his interim title due to JBC regulations.

November 14, 2025: WBA Super Lightweight Title Fight Postponed

On November 14, 2025, Andy Hiraoka's scheduled fight against Gary Antuanne Russell for the WBA super lightweight title was postponed due to the cancellation of the Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis event because of Davis's legal issues.

2026: Expected Fight Against Gary Antuanne Russell

In 2026, Andy Hiraoka and Gary Antuanne Russell are expected to face each other for the WBA super lightweight title after their initial fight was postponed.