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:
PACQUIAO-BARRIOS FIGHT WEEK IS HERE
Tue, 15 Jul 2025Unbeaten Prospect Alex Bray to Face Lesther Espino July 18, Live on DAZN
Tue, 15 Jul 2025Philippine Blu Girls Crush Thailand in Explosive Start to Women’s Softball Asia Cup 2025
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 15 Jul 2025Manny motors to Vegas
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 14 Jul 2025Bakbakan sa Elorde on July 19
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 14 Jul 2025Ringside, Still: Remembering Chino Trinidad
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sun, 13 Jul 2025Hamzah Sheeraz Demolishes Edgar Berlanga in Stunner, Becomes Mandatory Challenger to Canelo Alvarez
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 13 Jul 2025Shakur Stevenson Masterfully Tames William Zepeda to Retain WBC Lightweight Crown
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 13 Jul 2025JV Tuazon, Ador Torres, Lemuel De Barbo, Jomar Fajardo Score KO Wins in Brico Santig's Highland Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 13 Jul 2025Yanon is PBF flyweight champ
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 13 Jul 2025Taylor vs. Serrano Trilogy: Can Amanda Get The Nod?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 12 Jul 2025BERLANGA-SHEERAZ, STEVENSON-CEPEDA, MORELL-KHATAEV MAKE WEIGHT IN NEW YORK
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 12 Jul 2025Johnny Spell Takes on Chancellor Batttenberg on Saturday, July 19th at the Hollywood Casino at the Meadows in Washington, PA
Sat, 12 Jul 2025JV Tuazon, Ador Torres, Lemuel De Barbo, Jomar Fajardo Make Weight for Brico Santig's Highland Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 11 Jul 2025Philippine Under-12 Girls Team Shines Bright, Clinches Multiple Medals at 23rd ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships in Penang
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 11 Jul 2025