Mere weeks after winning her long-awaited pro debut, 15-year-old “Muay Thai Genius” Saya Ito returns to the ring on May 18th at Tenkaichi 71 in Koza, Okinawa, Japan. Ito is set to face off against former J-Girls Mini Flyweight Champion Haru “Taj Mahal” Tajima in a three-round bout.

Ito captured numerous titles during her 93-fight amateur kickboxing career, which included more than 40 fights against male opponents. She won her pro debut on April 27th. Tajima became the first J-Girls Mini Flyweight Champion in 2008 and now competes for the first time since late 2010.

Ito (78-12-3 amateur, 1-0-0 pro) is one of Japan’s most decorated female kickboxers in spite of her young age. She began her career at age four and went on to win championships in Japan and Thailand. This past month, Ito turned pro and used lightning-fast combinations of kicks and punches en route to a five-round Unanimous Decision victory over South Korean prospect Hye-Young Park at Muaylok 2014: 1st. She makes a quick return to action to face one of her toughest opponents to date next weekend and looks for another big win.

Tajima (15-2-0) began her pro career for J-Girls in March 2007 and she went on to win 11 straight fights for the promotion. Along the way, Tajima became the first J-Girls Mini Flyweight Champion by defeating future star Momi in November 2008. She lost the belt to Erika Kamimura the following July, but bounced back with four straight wins. However, after suffering a razor-thin Split Decision defeat in October 2010, Tajima announced her abrupt retirement. She engaged in an exhibition match this past year and now returns to professional competition.

Tenkaichi 71 takes place on May 18th at Music Town Oto-Ichiba in Koza, Okinawa, Japan.

(Photo Credit: eFight)