Kazuto Ioka Stops Palicte; Becomes Japan's First Four-Division World Champion
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 20 Jun 2019
CHIBA, Japan -- In an exciting hard-fought battle, Kazuto Ioka stopped in ten rounds tough Filipino warrior Aston Palicte to claim the vacant WBO Super Flyweight World Title, becoming the first Japanese boxer in history to claim world titles in four different weight classes.
His historic, rewarding win unfolded Wednesday, June 19, at Makuhari Messe indoor Stadium here in the seaport City of Chiba, 40 Km southeast of Japan's capital, Tokyo.
Kazuto Ioka (24-2, 14 KO's) delivered one of the most riveting performances in his stellar career in dealing with the taller, talented, well-trained Palicte who flew into Japan wanting to overpower him, though it happened the other way around.
The strong "Mighty" Palicte (25-3-1, 21 KO's) proved to be a world-class fighter making matters complicated for the 30-year-old Ioka, winning with rough power punching some of the earlier rounds, in one of them forcing the Japanese star to absorb genuine Filipino leather.
But Ioka came back to the next chapter throwing and landing hard on Palicte's mid-section, hugely reducing the Pinoy's stamina, mobility and speed. Palicte was not the same aggressive, fast fighter after that mid-level bombardment.
In sharp contrast, Kazuto Ioka grew more confident, accurate and effective while commanding raids, especially in stanzas seven, eight and nine, landing with more continuity over the Negros Occidental brave combatant.
Kazuto Ioka captures his fourth division world crown.
The end came around half-way in chapter ten when the skilled Japanese connected a crushing left hook on the Mighty Palicte rocking him backward in emergency survival mode, things getting dicey. Could Palicte somehow get out on time of this sudden avalanche?
Unfortunately, the incoming Ioka missile was not going to let go of this golden chance. Not at all.
A furious, relentless, crushing attack followed up, further damaging a shocked Palicte who was just taking all the big blows that Ioka was dishing out, not replying not even one, getting his head hammered fast and mercilessly till veteran American third man Kenny Chevalier appropriately jumped in ending the uneven, rough battle.
It was the first time in his life that Aston Palicted gets knocked out. The official time of the TKO was 1:46 in round 10.
Right after the stoppage was decreed, Palicte's corner protested to the referee Chevalier.
However, it appeared that the halting of actions was done at the right moment as Palicte was already taking severe blows to his head, looking vulnerable.
More punches seemed dangerous and unnecessary, especially at a moment when our sport of boxing has been recently seeing its share of boxers ending in the emergency room, not only Judah and Orocuta, but also our own Arizala.
The stoppage was OK as Palicte was in trouble and referee Chevalier did what he had to do.
As a result, Kazuto Ioka, born in Osaka in 1989, becomes the first son of the Land of the Rising Sun to capture world titles in boxing in four different divisions.
Back in 2011, Ioka claimed the minimumweight crown with legendary Filipino third man Bruce MacTavish as his referee.
The next year, Ioka becomes light flyweight world champion. In 2015 Kazuta Ioka wins the Flyweight world title, and fast-forward four years till tonight, Kazuto Ioka becomes the new WBO Super Flyweight world title. Congratulations Kazuto Ioka
The author Carlos Costa is a Panama boxing reporter living in the Philippines. He attended this boxing show in Japan. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and whatsapp +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Top-ranked Charly Suarez facing Manuel Avila, plus two more fights added to July 18 ProBoxTV event
Fri, 26 Jun 2026Yanon fights Kaji in Tokyo on July 4
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 26 Jun 2026Preparations underway for 2026 IBA men’s divisional continental championships
Fri, 26 Jun 2026Highland Boxing Promotions Presents "Warrior Showdown" in Bangkok on June 27
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Usyk reportedly considering retirement but could face Kabayel before the year ends
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Luke Littler and Ben Whittaker join forces as Matchroom Sport takes over New York City
Thu, 25 Jun 2026IOC Announces $10,000 'Fit for the Future' Grant for All Qualifying Olympians, Including Boxers
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Boxers did it first: IBA President welcomes IOC’s decision on allocating funds among athletes
Thu, 25 Jun 2026PH national now ready for Asia-Oceania Sambo
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 25 Jun 2026UFC TITLE CHALLENGER IAN MACHADO GARRY JOINS MATCHROOM TALENT AGENCY AS EDDIE HEARN LAUDS 'SUPERSTAR' SIGNING
Thu, 25 Jun 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Fathers in the boxing world
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 24 Jun 2026Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan arrive for Asia & Oceania Sambo Tournament
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 24 Jun 2026Mexican Hall of Fame Legend Carlos Zarate undergoes surgery in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 24 Jun 2026IM Arca to see action in 28th Asian Youth Chess Championships 2026 in Shenzhen,China
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 24 Jun 2026Lenar Perez to Face Former Two-Time World Title Challenger Thabiso Mchunu, with Fendero-Fondjo as Co-Feature on September 3 in Montreal!
Wed, 24 Jun 2026