Last day of the year. WBA super flyweight title on the line, first defense of Martínez. When they met in July it was a unification, with each making a third defense (Martínez of the IBF and Ioka the WBA strap). Martínez took a unanimous decision and later voluntarily relinquished his IBF belt so that he could be free to grant Ioka the chance to reclaim his property in a rematch - instead of potentially being mired in mandatory obligations. Pretty classy. This will be Ioka's thirteenth career gift to fans of a New Year's Eve show (breaking up the usually boxing-thin doldrums of the December/January season) - and the sixth consecutive one taking place at Ota-City Gymnasium beginning with Jeyvier Jesús Cintrón Ocasio in 2019. If he loses, this might well be his last - not just his last NYE show but match, period. It has been a rough schedule the last 15 years, and the proud Japanese four-division champion has been maxing out his efforts despite obvious signs of slippage in the last few. The prospects of a successful 2025 at the age of 36, beltless, and with an 0-2 dent in confidence for the first time - idk. I'm hoping for a late Christmas miracle, but the Argentine had the clean beating of him this past summer and it's hard to imagine us getting a much better version of the former champ anymore...
Sad to see Ioka go. Glad he got the rematch but I think his time is over. I only wonder if either will be brave enough to take on Bam. That's one of the best fights in boxing for me
Honestly if he manages to avenge the Martínez defeat part of me wants him to just quit on that storybook high note. I think Ioka of all people can be forgiven riding off into the sunset and swerving either a Pumita rubbermatch or Bam.
Analysis of Ioka's chances by countryman and retired contender Ryō Akaho. Can anybody translate? (summary's okay, don't have to go word for word over 15 minutes ) This content is protected
We'll see if he can turn the tides to his favor. Ioka is gonna have to make some big adjustment to halt Martinez's constant attack and not being imposed by his pressure. Hopefully he'll be prepared and be much more competitive this time around without allowing himself to be overwhelmed. If Ioka does manage to outbox him and avenge his loss it would be a fantastic win on his resume and perhaps we might see him face Joshua Franco's more talented brother Bam.
