There's nothing better than two illustrious world champions fighting in a unification bout, and that's exactly what will happen when the WBA super-flyweight title is defended in Tokyo on July 7.
Ioka (31-2-1, 16 KOs) is a seven-time world title holder across four weight classes and is recognized as a boxing legend in Japan. The 35-year-old veteran shows no signs of slowing down, having just defeated Josevar Pérez in seven rounds in December.
“I'm happy to have the unification fight,” Ioka told The Ring. “I think it's a challenge to aim higher, and fighting the IBF champion is a big challenge. I've never won the IBF title before, so I'd love to win it!”
Martinez (16-0, 9 KOs) has a powerful attack that includes two wins over Filipino star Jerwin Ancajas. At 32, he is three years younger than Ioka and arguably the fresher fighter, but does he have the intelligence and ring technique to beat the Japanese hero?
“I want to make history,” Martinez said in an interview with The Ring magazine. “I believe Argentina deserves to be unified champion and we are more focused and prepared than ever. I'm at the right age and I have the experience. I'm just ready and excited for the fight.”
Sporting News will bring you live coverage of the main event in Tokyo, with updates, undercard results and round-by-round scores.
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Live updates and commentary for Kazuto Ioka vs. Fernando Martinez
5:28 PM JST / 4:28 AM ET: Sawansouda was under intense pressure in the second round, suffering multiple body injuries, making this a tough fight for Sekine (10-1-1) against the travelling fighter.
5:19 PM JST / 4:19 AM ET: Switching to the super lightweight division. Local fighter Shun
Sekine will face Chaiyarat Sawansoda of Thailand.
5:16 PM JST / 4:16 AM ET: WBA super flyweight champion Kazuto Ioka entered the arena looking serious ahead of his unification bout with IBF titleholder Fernando Martinez.
Yokohama Aoi recorded a spectacular win in his professional debut, stopping China's Wang Hao early in the second round.
5:09 PM JST / 4:09 AM ET: The second round was where it was all over, with Yokohama closing out the bout with a series of stunning left punches to the head. This kid is one to watch!
5:08 PM JST / 4:08 AM ET: It was a great first pro round for Yokohama, who looks like a great little fighter. The 22-year-old landed some powerful punches before taking down Wang with a right hand late in the first round.
4:53 PM JST / 3:53 AM ET: Next up is a bantamweight bout between Wang Hao, who is making his professional debut, and China's Hengshan Aoi.
4:49 PM JST / 3:49 AM ET: IBF super flyweight champion Fernando Martinez is all smiles as he enters the arena. The unbeaten Argentine will face WBA contender Kazuto Ioka in the main event.
Taigo Kato won by unanimous decision over China's Shi Dong, improving his record to 6 wins and 2 losses (2 KOs).
4:44 PM JST / 3:44 AM ET: In the sixth and final round, Kato seems to be gaining the upper hand on points. The Japanese fighter lands most of the effective punches, hurting Dong's body several times.
4:25 PM JST / 3:25 AM ET: The first bout will be a welterweight bout between local fighter Taiga Kato and China's Shi Dong.
2:45pm Japan Time / 1:45am Eastern Time: Hello and welcome to Sporting News' live coverage of the super flyweight unification bout between Kazuto Ioka and Fernando Martinez. We're counting down the days until the showdown!!!
Kazuto Ioka vs. Fernando Martinez Undercard
- Kazuto Ioka vs Fernando Martinez for the IBF/WBA super flyweight world title
- Seiya Tsutsumi vs. Weerawat Nourae; Super bantamweight
- Shun Sekine vs. Chaiyarat Sawansoda; super lightweight
- Yudai Murakami vs. Hiro Ichimichi; lightweight
- Kato Taiga wins. Shi Dong wins by decision in 6 rounds at welterweight
- Kantaro Juri vs. Pai Farob; super flyweight
- Aoi Yokoyama wins. Hao Wang (TKO 2); bantamweight
- Hibiki Kawai vs. Ruka Shinkawa; lightweight
