On July 7th, Tokyo will host an eagerly awaited unification bout between IBF super flyweight champion Fernando Martinez and WBA champion Kazuto Ioka. Announced at a press conference held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, this matchup presents an exciting clash between two top fighters in the 115-pound division. Ioka, a seasoned 35-year-old who has conquered four divisions will be defending his title for the second time. Meanwhile, Martinez will make the third defense of his title.
Martinez, hailing from Argentina, turned professional in 2017 and demonstrated his formidable prowess in his last bout by stopping Jade Bornea in the eleventh round in Minneapolis last June. On the other hand, Ioka, who started his professional career in 2009, has amassed titles across multiple weight classes including strawweight, junior flyweight, flyweight, and junior bantamweight. His last fight saw him achieve a seventh-round stoppage against Josber Perez on New Year's Eve.
The fight not only showcases a significant clash of talents and styles but also sets the stage for other major events in the sport. Just a week before this bout, Juan Francisco Estrada is scheduled to defend his WBC title against Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez in Phoenix, highlighting an exciting period for boxing fans worldwide.
Image Credit: Naoki Fukuda