Kazuto Ioka (left) and Fernando ‘Puma’ Martinez meet in a post weigh-in staredown ahead of their WBA/IBF unification bout on July 7 in Tokyo. Photo credit: Naoki Fukuda
The world’s top three junior bantamweights will be in the house on Sunday.
Kazuto Ioka and Fernando ‘Puma’ Martinez both successfully made weight for their highly anticipated WBA/IBF unification clash. Ioka (31-2-1, 16 knockouts) weighed in at 114.6 pounds, while Argentina’s Martinez (16-0, 9 KOs) tipped the scales at 114.9 pounds.
The Ring’s No. 1 and No. 2-rated junior bantamweights will square off at the renowned Kokukigan Arena in Tokyo on Sunday.
Witnessing the event will be The Ring/WBC 115-pound champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez (20-0, 13 KOs). Rodriguez recently captured the title with a seventh-round knockout victory over Juan Francisco Estrada and is now eyeing a potential showdown with the winner of Sunday’s bout.
Ioka has previously held major titles in different weight classes and has been a dominant force in the 115-pound division. Martinez, on the other hand, is a rising star looking to make a statement with a victory over Ioka.
Kazuto Ioka weighs 114.6 pounds (52 kg.) ahead of his July 7 WBA/IBF unification bout versus Fernando ‘Puma’ Martinez. Photo credit: Naoki Fukuda
Ioka is a proven champion with an impressive track record, while Martinez is looking to continue his unbeaten streak and solidify his status as a top contender in the division. The stage is set for an exciting showdown between these two talented fighters.
This highly anticipated bout will be broadcast live on ABEMA-TV in Japan. Don’t miss the action as these two warriors clash in the ring for supremacy in the junior bantamweight division.
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