In the month of July, Fernando Martinez vs. Kazuto Ioka delivered a thrilling fight in Tokyo, where Martinez unified the WBA and IBF super flyweight titles. The unanimous decision victory marked a key moment in the career of the undefeated Argentine champion.
Fernando Martinez vs Kazuto Ioka
Fernando Martinez (17-0, 9 KOs) came into the bout as IBF champion, known for his aggressiveness and unstoppable pace.
Kazuto Ioka (31-3-1, 16 KOs), a four-division champion and WBA title holder, brought experience, technique and his lethal body punch.
The fight took place at Tokyo’s iconic Kokugikan Arena, a venue steeped in tradition that gave the event even more relevance.
From the first round, Martinez imposed a fast pace, connecting strong combinations and attacking Ioka’s head with precision.
For his part, Ioka used his experience to counterpunch and work the body, especially in the middle rounds.
However, Martinez’s volume and constant pressure in the later rounds secured his victory. The judges scored the fight 120-108, 117-111 and 116-112 in favor of Martinez.
Statements by the Fighters
After the fight, Martinez said, “I left everything in the ring, and we gave the fans the war they deserved.” His excitement upon receiving both belts reflected the importance of the victory.
For his part, Ioka, with humility, acknowledged, “He was better than me today. I will come back stronger.”
Why this fight stood out
This matchup perfectly matched Martinez’s bulk and power with Ioka’s technique and stamina.
Martinez’s ability to adapt in the late rounds against one of Japan’s best boxers proved that he is ready to face the best in the world, opening the door to future unifications.
