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:
Questions Surround Tim Tszyu and Joe Joyce Returns to the Ring
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 05 Apr 2025Ancient Warriors, Modern Stage: Kun Khmer in America
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 05 Apr 2025OKC, Cleveland on Target for Season Best Marks, Record Plus 60 Wins, Sub-20 Losses
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 05 Apr 2025NM Bernardino to join 22nd BCC Open 2025 in Thailand
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 05 Apr 2025Weights Locked In for Top Rank's ESPN Boxing Showcase in Las Vegas
Sat, 05 Apr 2025“REVENGE”: SHADY GAMHOUR SEEKS PAYBACK IN REMATCH AGAINST DEVONTAE McDONALD
Sat, 05 Apr 2025Heralded Amateur Star Elijah Lugo Set To Make Pro Debut on Saturday, April 5th in Philadelphia
Sat, 05 Apr 2025Team USA Collects Three Bronze Medals on Day Four in Brazil
Sat, 05 Apr 2025Warriors Buck Pressures, Whip Lakers, 123-116
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 04 Apr 2025May 4: Rohan Polanco-Fabian Maidana Welterweight Showdown & The Return of Emiliano Fernando Vargas Added to Naoya Inoue-Ramon Cardenas ESPN+-Streamed Undercard at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
Fri, 04 Apr 2025Press Conference Notes: Richard Torrez Jr. and Guido Vianello Ready to Trade Leather in Las Vegas Heavyweight Headliner
Fri, 04 Apr 2025Avoided Kingsley Ibeh Demands his Seat at The Heavyweight Table
Fri, 04 Apr 2025Team USA Advances Two More Boxers to Medal Rounds at World Boxing Cup: Brazil 2025
Fri, 04 Apr 2025Undefeated Super Welterweight Prospect Alex Bray Signs Promotional Agreement with Boxlab Promotions
Fri, 04 Apr 2025PRE-SALE TICKETS FOR THE 2025 US OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP AVAILABLE FROM 14 APRIL
Fri, 04 Apr 2025