The only conqueror of four weight divisions in the history of Japan, the near-pound Kazuto Ioka (29-2-1, 15 KOs), decided to give up the WBO title in the second flyweight (up to 52.2 kg), since he has other priorities – he wants to dot over “i” in the confrontation with the WBA champion American Joshua Franco (18-1-3, 8 KOs).
The fighters threw up a very beautiful fight on the eve of the New Year, but they failed to determine the winner – a draw by the decision of the majority of the judges. The second fight is expected to take place in June and will again be held in Japan. This time the fight will not be unification – only Franco’s title is at stake.
Ioka can be understood. The WBO has a strange policy towards this boxer. He won the title in 2019, and since then he has been required to fight the mandatory challengers for the fifth time (!) – he has previously beaten Javier Cintron, Kosei Tanaka, Francisco Rodriguez and Donny Nietes.
For the vacated WBO belt, the former champion of the organization in the lower division and the mandatory challenger Japanese Junto Nakatani (24-0, 18 KOs) claims. Following him in the ranking of the organization are Andrew Moloney (Australia), Kosei Tanaka (Japan), David Cuellar (Mexico) and Roman Gonzalez (Nicaragua). But it is possible that there will be changes in the February rating.
Another news from the same division. The fight for the IBF title between champion Fernando Martinez (15-0, 8 KOs) from Argentina and mandatory challenger Jade Bornea (18-0, 12 KOs) from the Philippines went under the hammer for 25 thousand USD, that is, for the minimum allowable amount.
Winner (and sole bidder) – Company TGB Promotions Tom Brown (chief promoter of boxing evenings from Premier Boxing Champions).
The distribution of the prize fund will be in the ratio of 65/35 in favor of the champion: Martinez will fight for 16.25 thousand USD, and Bornea – for 8.75 thousand USD.
Last October, Martinez beat Ancajas again – video. Previously, the legendary Donaire stared at his belt – he planned to conquer the fifth weight category.
