| |
|
Kazuto Ioka Victorious, World Champion Again
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 24 Jun 2023
In an exciting 12-round battle, Japanese 4-division champion Kazuto Ioka 井岡一翔 (30-2-1, 15 KO's) defeated American Joshua Franco (18-2-3, 8 KO's) to conquer the WBA Super Flyweight World Title Saturday, June 24, in Tokyo.
Official scores for the hard-fought war were 115-113 and 116-112 (twice).
With superior boxing, stamina and heart, the 34-year-old Kazuto Ioka from Tokyo dominated the overweight Joshua Franco to claim a clear, well-deserved victory at home.
Joshua, who at times bled during the war, displayed bravery and willingness to triumph, winning some rounds, but his charges were dominated by the left uppercuts, skills and fighting spirit of the popular Japanese star.
Guided by famed Cuban coach Ismael Salas, Kazuto Ioka displayed fantastic boxing, fully enjoyed by fans at the Ota-City General Gym in Tokyo, live on ABEMA TV PPV.
It has been written that "Kazuto Ioka is the Rolls Royce of Boxing," and today is showed.
And now that Kazuto Ioka is the Super Flyweight world champion again, who would you like to see him against with next?
Would you like to see Ioka unifying belts with Japanese WBO 115 champ Junto Nakatani (25-0, 19 KO's, the KO artist who stopped Andrew Moloney in the last round in dramatic fashion?
Or Ioka against Juan Francisco "Gallo" Estrada, if the Mexican is available, or against veteran Nicaraguan star "Chocolatito" Gonzalez, or against the winner of "Puma" Martinez vs Jade "Hurricane" Bornea?
And finally, what Pinoy Super Flyweight Warrior would have more chances against Kazuto Ioka: Jay-R Raquinel, KJ Cataraja, or Adrian Lerasan? Who would you pick?
The author Carlos Costa from Panama is a veteran boxing reporter. Carlos 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:
Casimero vs Nery for WBA Gold Super Bantamweight Title April 18 in Kyrgyzstan!
By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 12 Mar 2026United States Completes Day Three of 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup With Five Wins
, Thu, 12 Mar 202683 Points! Bam Adebayo makes the second-highest score in NBA league history
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 12 Mar 2026Renz Paolo Nool rules 5th Kenz Gambit Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 12 Mar 2026Benavidez-Ramirez presents his mega fight on "WBC Tuesday Coffe" in Mexico City
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 11 Mar 2026“The Cuban Assassin" Scores Devastating 1st Round Knockout to Remain Undefeated
, Wed, 11 Mar 2026Boxlab Promotions Fighters Set to Shine on Matchroom Boxing Card March 21 in Orlando
, Wed, 11 Mar 2026World Boxing Futures Cup in Bangkok Update
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 11 Mar 2026Full Card Taking Shape for ProBoxTV’s Martinez Vs. Aleem World Championship Event on Sat., March 21, from NOS Event Center in San Bernardino, CA
, Wed, 11 Mar 2026Mike Tyson Invitational Announces Schedule of Events for Amateur Showcase Beginning This Thursday in Las Vegas
, Wed, 11 Mar 2026Filipino chess players make a courtesy visit to GAB chairman
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 11 Mar 20263 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Shane Mosley Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
, Wed, 11 Mar 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 8 MARCH 2026: Opetaia Outpoints Glanton to Win Inaugural Zuffa Belt; Ricardo Salas, Vlad Panin Register Wins
By Eric Armit, , Tue, 10 Mar 2026Brijhana Epperson and Christian Paez Highlight Day Two of 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup
, Tue, 10 Mar 2026Beltran, Prado rule Samal Half Marathon
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 10 Mar 2026Meinke-Vargas IBF Featherweight Female World Championship Set for 12 rounds?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 10 Mar 2026Ruiz and Veloz Earn Dominant Wins on Opening Day of 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup
, Tue, 10 Mar 2026Top Rank Signs Undefeated Lightweight Prospect Sammy Contreras
, Tue, 10 Mar 2026153 swimmers safely complete Davao-Samal-Davao Cross Channel
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 10 Mar 2026Leading World Cruiserweight Contender Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki returns from 15-month layoff with another overpowering KO
, Mon, 09 Mar 2026Roca, Bernardino share top honors in Tea Block rapid chess tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 08 Mar 2026Fastpitch Softball on March 20-22 in Calinan
By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 08 Mar 2026Opetaia vs Glanton: Dana White Crowns First Boxing Champion. Is Fight Worthy?
By Chris Carlson, , Sun, 08 Mar 2026In Thrilling Showdown, Pagara Falls Short Against Polkinghorn by Points.
, Sun, 08 Mar 2026Unofficial Unification Tournament Brewing For Welterweights
By Ralph Rimpell, , Sat, 07 Mar 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
