While most of “The Ring: High Stakes” combatants were getting comfortable in Las Vegas, Hiraoka was busy trying to make his way stateside. The 29-year-old dealt with visa delay issues and didn't arrive to the U.S. from Japan until Thursday of fight week.

While it wasn’t ideal, he fought well before losing a unanimous decision to WBA 140-pound champion, Gary Antuanne Russell. Many believed the fight to be closer and some had Hirakoa winning.

The agonozing delay and subsequent result hasn't deterred Hirakoa, however, it's lit a fire under him.

“Congrats Gary Antuanne Russell,” Hiraoka wrote on his Instagram account. “I will bounce back. We didn’t get the win but we will definitely come back.”

Prior to facing Russell, The Ring’s No. 7 ranked junior welterweight, Hiraoka was on a roll, scoring 10 consecutive stoppages. At times, it seemed as though that streak would continue as he buzzed Russell in numerous rounds. In the 10th, nevertheless, the Japanese native lost a bit of momentum as he was deducted a point for a low blow. In the final two rounds, Hiraoka outlanded his man 31-23.

Despite having success, judges Glenn Feldman and Jack Weiss turned in scorecards of 116-111. Judge Steve Weisfeld had it 117-111.

Although the scores were a little wide, Russell admitted immediately after that Hiraoka wasn’t an easy opponent to deal with.

“I take my hat off to him for being a tough competitor and giving it his all,” Russell said in the post-fight interview. “We’re gonna go back to the gym and sharpen up our tools.”