Fernando Martínez defeats Kazuto Ioka in Japan to unify belts in historic victory for Argentine boxing
By Gabriel F. Cordero
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 07 Jul 2024
Undefeated Argentinian sensation Fernando Martínez (17-0, 9 KOs) unified the WBA and IBF super flyweight belts by putting up a grueling battle with the skilled legendary Japanese four-time champion and a candidate for the Canastota International Hall of Fame, Kazuto Ioka (31-3-1, 16 KOs) winning a historic unanimous decision (116-112, 117-111 and 120-108) in twelve rounds in a great fight on Sunday, July 7 at the legendary iconic Ryogoku Kokugikan, the sumo gym in Tokyo, Japan.
Martínez, 32, was more aggressive, while Ioka, 35, was more technical, with counterattacks and body shots. The Argentine's abundant resistance was astonishing, as he withstood Ioka's persistent body bombardments and responded furiously with attacks from above. They continued to trade solid blows from start to finish and completely entertained the audience.
Martínez could have an immediate rematch with Kazuto Ioka and stated that he wants to face Jesse 'Bam' Rodríguez in another unification fight.
Martínez, a resident of the neighborhood of the iconic Boca Juniors soccer team, entered the Ryogoku Kokugikan, with the blue and yellow flags of the Argentine Xeneixe along with those of Argentina and made history by being the fourth Argentine boxer to win a world boxing championship in Japan by joining legends: Pascual Perez, Horacio Accavallo and Nicolino Locche and also becoming only the fourth Argentine boxer to be a unified world champion along with other legends such as: Carlos Monzón, Hugo Corro and Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez.
As for the score of 120-108 (The 12 rounds for Martínez) of the American judge Edward Hernandez with about 709 professional boxing matches, it is respected but at the same time it again leaves doubt and questions about the judges' scores and even more so when the other two saw 8 rounds for Martinez and 4 for Ioka (Jean Pierre Van Imschoot of Belgium) 9 Martinez and 3 Ioka (Stanley Christodoulou of South Africa).
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Gabriel F. Cordero.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Ring Master promotes in Calinan on Dec. 21
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024NP Bansalan boxing team in Matalam
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024New York, Minnesota Biggest Trade Gainers; Los Angeles Has the Rookie Draft Steal
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 22 Nov 2024Filipino IM Bagamasbad prevails
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 22 Nov 2024DC girl’s futsal in Palawan now
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024Filipino FIDE Master Ivan Travis Cu is ready to face challenge
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 22 Nov 2024Dante Kirkman Secures First Career Knockout with 3rd Round TKO Victory
Fri, 22 Nov 2024Filipino Middleweight Star Blazen Rocili Set to Return to the Ring This Saturday in San Antonio, TX
Thu, 21 Nov 2024Stallone hands Donald Trump WBC world champion belt
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 21 Nov 2024Filipino International Master Garma beats Lithuanian Grandmaster
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 21 Nov 2024Saturday: Bakary Samake-Wade Ryan & Elwin Soto-Moisés Caro Headline Separate Fight Cards Streaming LIVE on ESPN+
Thu, 21 Nov 2024TrillerTV Launches Exclusive Black Friday Deal: 50% Off TrillerTV+ Annual Pass for Year-Round Sports Entertainment
Thu, 21 Nov 2024New NCFP Regional Coordinator
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 21 Nov 2024DC netters are now ready for BP
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 21 Nov 2024Pelicano tops in Dayaw OCR
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 21 Nov 2024