Ao turned professional in September 2003 at the Korakuen Hall, Tokyo. In his debut Ao defeated fellow Japanese boxer Hiroshi Kashihara with a second round knockout.
Aoh is managed by the Teiken Boxing Gym in Tokyo, and trains under Sendai Tanaka's guidance. He has often attended Marco Antonio Barrera's training camp since 2003, because he was appreciated for his speed and heavy fists, and served as Barrera's chief sparring partner in August 2007.
After thirteen unbeaten fights Ao beat Koji Umetsu for the Japanese featherweight title in March 2007.
Ao lost via split decision to champion Óscar Larios on October 16, 2008. Despite flooring Larios in the 4th round, Ao managed to lose a decision in the close and contested bout.
Fortunate for him, Ao got another chance at Larios' title on March 12, 2009. There, he applied more offensive tactics which resulted Larios dropping in the 12th round. Aoh won the match by unanimous decision.
On his first defense of the title held on July 14 that same year, Ao lost to Elio Rojas by unanimous decision.
Nickname:
Takahiro Ao
World Champion
Born
Apr 06, 1984
Age
29
Height
5′ 6½″
Reach
68½″
Head Trainers
Stance
Southpaw
Style
Division
Super Featherweight
Years Active
Record
21
2
1
NC
0
KOs
10
KO%
41%