Argentine Boxing Champion Fernando Martinez Unifies Titles with Impressive Victory over Veteran Kazuto Ioka in Japan
In a thrilling bout at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo, Argentina’s Fernando Martinez emerged victorious over the favored Japanese veteran Kazuto Ioka, adding the WBA super flyweight title to his existing IBF crown.
The 32-year-old “Puma” Martinez (17-0, 9 KOs) put on a courageous display, outworking the 35-year-old Ioka (31-3-1, 16 KOs) with his relentless volume and power punching. The judges scored the fight 116-112, 117-111, and a rather controversial 120-108 in Martinez’s favor.
“I gave him everything I had. We gave the fans what they want. A war.”
- Fernando Martinez
Despite Ioka’s best efforts, particularly to the body, Martinez seemed to carry the heavier firepower throughout the contest. The two combatants embraced before the final round, but the lopsided 120-108 scorecard from judge Edward Hernandez drew criticism, as the four-weight world champion Ioka deserved a much closer result.
An emotional Martinez was visibly moved as he was crowned the new unified super flyweight champion.
Elsewhere on the Kingpyn Boxing Event
Japanese bantamweight prospect Seiya Tsutsumi improved his record to 11-0-2 (8 KOs) with a 10th-round stoppage victory over Thai fighter Weerawat Noolae (4-2).
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