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.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
IBA fully supports and endorses sex testing initiatives and invites all boxing bodies to embrace the same
Mon, 02 Jun 2025OKC's SGA Vs. Indiana's Haliburton: The First Time in Decades Two Opposing Talented Shooting Guards of the Same Size and Lethality Clash in NBA Finals
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 02 Jun 2025Knockout Punch: Cebuano AJ Paciones Powers Through to TKO Victory in Thailand, Edges Closer to World Title Showdown
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 02 Jun 2025Thunderdome 50 Results: Perth’s Francis Chua captures WBC glory
Mon, 02 Jun 2025PH chess wizard 8-year-old Marius Constante shines in Metropolitan Chess Club Standard Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 02 Jun 2025Carl Jammes Martin Shines in Dominant US Debut Victory in Las Vegas
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 01 Jun 2025Yes (Pa)Cers, It's Indiana in the NBA Finals, Smothers New York Knicks in Game 6, 125-108
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 01 Jun 2025GM Quizon rules 1st Bino Car Rental Open chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 01 Jun 2025Pacquiao vs. Barrios Press Conference: A Clash of Eras Takes Center Stage in Las Vegas (Photos)
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 01 Jun 2025Viva Promotions chief Brendan Gibbons slowly stepping out of his famous dad's shadow
By Homer D. Sayson, Sun, 01 Jun 2025Stacked Card Unveiled for Manny Pacquiao’s Highly Anticipated Return
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 31 May 2025BEKTEMIR MELIKUZIEV DEFEATS DARIUS FULGHUM IN WBA SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATOR THRILLER
Sat, 31 May 2025AFM Benoni Wabe Champ in the IIEE National Midyear Convention Tournament in CDO
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 31 May 2025Bektemir Melikuziev Edges Darius Fulghum in Thrilling WBA Title Eliminator
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 31 May 2025A Bridge to Plant versus Charlo is the theme for PBC/Amazon Card on Saturday
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 31 May 2025