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Philippines, 26 Feb 2026 |
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Kazuto Ioka Outclasses, Defeats Donnie Nietes in Japan By Carlos Costa PhilBoxing.com Wed, 13 Jul 2022  Japanese 4-division world champion Kazuto Ioka (29-2, 15 KO's) outboxed and dominated veteran Pinoy warrior Donnie "Ahas" Nietes (43-2-6, 23 KO’s) for a successful 5th defense of his WBO Super Flyweight World Title tonight (July 13) at the Ota-City Gym in Tokyo, Japan. Unanimous scores in favor of Kazuto Ioka say it all: 120-108, 117-111 and 118-110. The 40-year-old Nietes, put his heart and his best effort in the battle, but was completely bested by the younger Japanese world champion in clear decisive fashion, which prompts fans to ponder what could the future for the popular "Ahas" be? Should the affable, much appreciated, superbly talented Donnie "Ahas" Nietes continue fighting? Or is it time to call it a career (a brilliant, starry career?) Ioka, on the other hand, not only made a successful 5th defense of the WBO super flyweight crown he won by knocking out Filipino Aston Palicte three years ago, but also got sweet revenge for the close split decision loss that he suffered at the hands of Nietes in late 2018 in Macao. This time around, it was Ioka the one warrior to come out victorious, reasserting himself as one of the top 115-pounders in the world, together with Nicaraguan star “Chocolatito” Gonzalez and young Mexican-American WBC champ Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez (who 3 weeks ago knocked out Srisaket Sor Rungvisai). The 33 year-old Japanese star was guided in his corner by renown Cuban coach Ismael Salas. And now the question is: What tough and experienced super flyweight fighter should Kazuto Ioka defend title against next? Jerwin? Sounds so good in theory, although he don’t know if the 30 year-old “Pretty Boy” still feels OK and strong fighting at 115 lbs, or if he needs to go up to 118, or what his plans are? Jerwin is WBO #4 to the title of Kazuto. Meanwhile, unbeaten 27 year-old Cebuano KJ Cararaja (14-0, 12 KO’s), a former ALA fighter is WBO #10. Some day I’d love to see Kazuto Ioka vs Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas for a world title. Because I think it would be a brilliant tactical fight of superb quality. Will it one day happen? Time will tell. The author 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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