By Jake Donovan

Lee Haskins and Ryosuke Iwasa are ready to throw down in their interim bantamweight title fight. The fight—which airs live on UK Channel 5 from Whitchurch Sports Centre in Bristol, England—represents the first title opportunity for both fighters.0

The winner will be obligated to face Randy Caballero, the still-recognized IBF bantamweight titlist who is sidelined with an injury until later this year. 

For Iwasa (19-1, 12KOs) it also marks the first bout outside of his native Japan. The 25-year old southpaw comes in on the heels of an 11-fight win streak. His lone career loss came to countryman Shinsuke Yamanaka in March ’11 when both were unbeaten prospects. 

Yamanaka has since established himself as the best bantamweight in the world, while Iwasa has proven his worth as a consensus Top 10 contender. 

Standing in his way is combat-ready ring veteran, as well as a potentially hostile crowd. 

Haskins (31-3, 13KOs) enjoys hometown advantage for his first major title opportunity, having long ago established himself as a local draw. The 31-year old has won five straight, including a technical decision win over Omar Lamiri this past February in Monaco to advance further on the title stage. 

Who will come out ahead in this pivotal bantamweight matchup? Read on to see how the staff at krikya360.com believes the action will go down. 

krikya360.com STAFF PREDICTIONS: LEE HASKINS vs. RYOSUKE IWASA

Jake Donovan (Iwasa TKO9): This could go horribly south for Iwasa if he fights like he needs a knockout to win. If he remains patient, then look for Haskins to sprint out to an early lead before gassing himself in the second half. Iwasa will likely be down on the scorecards by the time he lands that one big shot to turn the fight around and eventually batter the local favorite into submission. 

Michael Gibbons (Haskins UD): Hometown hero comes out ahead to win the title.

Takahiro Onaga (Iwasa TKO11): Iwasa fighting on road for the first time knows he needs to perform. I think "Eagle Eye" gets a come-from-behind stoppage.

Cliff Rold (Iwasa KO): Both men have been stopped but Iwasa is naturally bigger and went deep with Shinsuke Yamanaka.

Alexey Sukachev (Iwasa TKO7): I respect a true warrior in Haskins but against Iwasa he will find himself within the same ring with a very aggressive stalker who gave hell to Shinsuke Yamanaka in their fight somewhat four years ago. Haskins just doesn't have enough bricks in his gloves to prevent the Japanese from getting in and doing damage.

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of krikya360.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox