Fernando Martínez Stuns Kazuto Ioka in Remarkable 12 Round Battle; PUMA vs BAM Excites Fans
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 08 Jul 2024
In an exciting twelve-round clash, unbeaten Argentinian 115-pounder Fernando "Puma" Martínez (17-0, 9 KO's) out-boxed and defeated Japanese 4-division champ Kazuto Ioka 井岡一翔 (31-3-1, 16 KO's) to become "The New" unified IBF/WBA Super Flyweight World Champion July 7 in Tokyo, Japan.
Unanimous scores were: 117-11, 116-112, and a very strange 120-108, all in favor of the new unified IBF/WBA world champion from the Land of Messi.
From the get go, the “Puma” went on the attack, edging the brave veteran Ioka with a slightly wider volume of punches.
Targeting the mid-section, Ioka was able to score some success – as well as rounds – in the middle chapters, betting his body shots could notably reduce the IBF titlist. That did not happen.
That strategy did not work as good as Ioka was expecting.
Because the energized Martinez regained control of the action, finishing stronger than the 35-year-old veteran born in Osaka, home of electrifying Japanese boxers.
In the end, it was the undefeated Fernando Martinez the warrior with his hand raised, a feat that reminds elder fans of the sensational 1954 victory of Argentinian flyweight warrior Pascual Perez over Yoshino Shirai in Tokyo.
That historic triumph made Pascual Pérez the first Argentina boxing world champion. Many great champions have followed since.
Fernando Martinez is now the talk of the town, boasting wins over two big names in his fighting resumé: Jerwin Ancajas and Kazuto Ioka. What could be next?
Puma Martinez (L) of Argentina poses with his manager Rene Maidana after Martinez's stunning victory against 4-division world champion Kazuto Ioka of Japan on Sunday, July 7 in Tokyo, Japan.
Handled by former thrilling warrior Rene "Chino" Maidana, the 32-year-old Fernando Martinez proved again that he is a huge to force to reckon with in the hot 115-weight class, making fans crave for a battle of "Puma" against fantastic "Legend Slayer" Jesse "BAM" Rodriguez (20-0, 13 KO's) in a dream WBC/IBF/WBA Super Flyweight unification rumble.
Could JESSE "BAM" RODRIGUEZ VS FERNANDO "PUMA" MARTINEZ happen next?
Lets Hope so! 👍 🥊
The author, veteran boxing reporter Carlos Costa, can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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