OMICRON VARIANT FORCES POSTPONEMENT OF ANCAJAS - IOKA MEGA WORLD TITLE FIGHT SCHEDULED FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE IN TOKYO
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 04 Dec 2021
TOKYO (Dec. 3, 2021) -- The new year's eve world title unification battle between junior bantamweight champions Jerwin Ancajas and Kazuto Ioka has been postponed. Promoted by Shisei Boxing Gym, Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, TGB Promotions, and Knucklehead Boxing Promotions, Ancajas (33-1-2, 22 KOs), from Panabo City, Philippines vs. Ioka (27-2, 15 KOs), from Tokyo, had the makings of the Fight of the Year, but because of the global spread of the new Omicron variant of Covid-19, and Japan's ban against foreign travel to its country, that year will have to be 2022. The New Year’s Eve test to be the best of the 115-pound division -- between IBF champion Ancajas and WBO champion Ioka -- was scheduled to take place Friday, Dec. 31, at Tokyo's Ota-City General Gymnasium.
"Team Ancajas was looking forward to this historic fight against Ioka but understands there are bigger concerns than boxing in Japan and the world with the situation caused by the emergence of the latest variant," said Sean Gibbons, president of MP Promotions. "We remain committed to making this fight happen as soon as possible in Japan."
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: A Great Night of Boxing in Japan
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Fri, 17 Apr 2026FOSTER DEFENDS WORLD SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST FORD IN HOUSTON ON MAY 30
Fri, 17 Apr 2026Tickets ON SALE NOW for Keyshawn Davis-Nahir Albright II at Norfolk’s Scope Arena
Fri, 17 Apr 2026Nothing But Sportz and Ronald Johnson’s Dream Team Foundation to Donate 500 Tickets to Miami Youth for Historic May 2 Fight Night
Fri, 17 Apr 2026CHARLIE SHEEHY PENS PROMOTIONAL PACT WITH MATCHROOM
Fri, 17 Apr 2026BEN WHITTAKER OPENS UP ON HIS AMERICAN DREAM, CALL-OUTS AND HEADLINING IN 'SPECIAL CITY' LIVERPOOL THIS SATURDAY – LIVE ON DAZN
Thu, 16 Apr 2026IBA partners with Global Boxing Series for landmark fight night in Navi Mumbai
Thu, 16 Apr 2026IM Arca finishes 2nd in Thailand Blitz
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 16 Apr 2026Cebuano "Money Punch" Elmo Traya Heading to Georgia for WBF World Title Shot!
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 16 Apr 2026Unfinished Business: Keyshawn Davis-Nahir Albright Super Lightweight Rematch Set for May 16 at Norfolk’s Scope Arena LIVE on DAZN
Thu, 16 Apr 2026Rhaki Constantino bags Asian HeyBall Championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 16 Apr 2026GARNICA VS. CORREA SET FOR WBC CONTINENTAL AMERICAS TITLE CLASH IN LONG BEACH MAY 15
Wed, 15 Apr 2026IBA Board of Directors convenes for strategic April 2026 meeting
Wed, 15 Apr 2026Cadalso to turn pro in Juego Todo
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 15 Apr 20262-Time World Champion Shawn Porter Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2 in Las Vegas
Wed, 15 Apr 2026