Mobile Home | Desktop Version




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:

  • Casimero stops Nery in 4th round
    By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 06 Jun 2026
  • Edward Vazquez keeps title hopes alive by winning razor-thin unanimous decision over Daniel Lugo in Main Event of ProBoxTV
    Sat, 06 Jun 2026
  • LABAN PILIPINAS! Kenneth Llover Ready to KO His Way to a World Title Shot
    By Carlos Costa, Sat, 06 Jun 2026
  • Nery Does It Again: Overweight, But Casimero Says Let’s Fight!
    By Carlos Costa, Sat, 06 Jun 2026
  • Undefeated Gabriela Tellez to Challenge Elif Nur Turhan for IBF Lightweight World Title June 13 in Glendale, AZ
    Sat, 06 Jun 2026
  • SHEFFIELD FIGHT WEEK: OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS, FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER FOR PADLEY VS FIAZ – LIVE ON DAZN
    Sat, 06 Jun 2026
  • Bruce “2.0” Seldon Jr.: From a Champion’s Son to Heavyweight Headliner
    Sat, 06 Jun 2026
  • Mexican fighter ¨Artillero¨Rodriguez passes away after suffering brain injury on weekend fight
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 06 Jun 2026
  • NEGROS OCCIDENTAL PILLARS CROWNED SBA SEASON 2 CHAMPIONS
    By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 06 Jun 2026
  • Weights from Japan: Llover - 117.7 lbs., Angeletti - 117.5 lbs.
    By Dong Secuya, Fri, 05 Jun 2026
  • Antonio Vargas Locked in for Career-Defining Title Defense Against Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez as Training Camp Winds Down
    Fri, 05 Jun 2026
  • Weights From ‘Vazquez vs. Lugo’ Event from College Park Center in Arlington, TX, & Broadcast Live on ProBoxTV
    Fri, 05 Jun 2026
  • SHEFFIELD FIGHT WEEK PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID AS JOSH PADLEY AND AQIB FIAZ FACE OFF
    Fri, 05 Jun 2026
  • “I would not say Yoka is more dangerous.” Murat Gassiev's coach Kadushin on boxer's training camp
    Fri, 05 Jun 2026
  • Homecoming for super middleweight prospect Elijah Garcia to be showcased June 20 on Kingsley Ibeh vs. Dante Stone card in Phoenix
    Fri, 05 Jun 2026