Yamanaka to defend WBC title against Carlson

World ranked bantamweight contender Carlos Carlson (22-1, 13 KOs) is getting what all boxers dream of, but very few actually realize, a shot at a world title. Carlson, who is based in Tijuana, Mex., will travel to Tokyo, Japan to fight WBC Champion Shinsuke Yamanaka (26-0-2, 18 KOs) on Thursday, March 2.

Carlson, 26, will face a talented southpaw in Yamanaka that has fought all of his professional fights in his native Japan. He has made 11 successful title defenses since winning the championship against Christian Esquivel (vacant) in Nov. 2011.

"It's without question the toughest fight of my career," said Carlson, who is currently ranked No. 9 by the WBC. "All the hard work and sacrifices have built up to this moment and I'm going to seize this opportunity. I'll be coming home a world champion."

"Carlson is ready to do whatever it takes to become a world champion," said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. "We've seen him up close for the last several years and we're confident in his abilities. He's paid his dues; he's made the sacrifices. The world title is within his reach."

Since the second half of 2013, Carlson has honed his craft by fighting in Southern California's highly competitive Inland Empire. In Feb. 2014, he defeated the hard charging Javier Gallo by unanimous decision to claim the vacant WBC Latino Championship.

In his latest win last September, Carlson knocked out Alex Rangel in the third to win the vacant NABF Bantamweight Title.