| |
|
Fernando Martínez defeats Kazuto Ioka in Japan to unify belts in historic victory for Argentine boxing
By Gabriel F. Cordero
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 07 Jul 2024
Undefeated Argentinian sensation Fernando Martínez (17-0, 9 KOs) unified the WBA and IBF super flyweight belts by putting up a grueling battle with the skilled legendary Japanese four-time champion and a candidate for the Canastota International Hall of Fame, Kazuto Ioka (31-3-1, 16 KOs) winning a historic unanimous decision (116-112, 117-111 and 120-108) in twelve rounds in a great fight on Sunday, July 7 at the legendary iconic Ryogoku Kokugikan, the sumo gym in Tokyo, Japan.
Martínez, 32, was more aggressive, while Ioka, 35, was more technical, with counterattacks and body shots. The Argentine's abundant resistance was astonishing, as he withstood Ioka's persistent body bombardments and responded furiously with attacks from above. They continued to trade solid blows from start to finish and completely entertained the audience.
Martínez could have an immediate rematch with Kazuto Ioka and stated that he wants to face Jesse 'Bam' Rodríguez in another unification fight.
Martínez, a resident of the neighborhood of the iconic Boca Juniors soccer team, entered the Ryogoku Kokugikan, with the blue and yellow flags of the Argentine Xeneixe along with those of Argentina and made history by being the fourth Argentine boxer to win a world boxing championship in Japan by joining legends: Pascual Perez, Horacio Accavallo and Nicolino Locche and also becoming only the fourth Argentine boxer to be a unified world champion along with other legends such as: Carlos Monzón, Hugo Corro and Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez.
As for the score of 120-108 (The 12 rounds for Martínez) of the American judge Edward Hernandez with about 709 professional boxing matches, it is respected but at the same time it again leaves doubt and questions about the judges' scores and even more so when the other two saw 8 rounds for Martinez and 4 for Ioka (Jean Pierre Van Imschoot of Belgium) 9 Martinez and 3 Ioka (Stanley Christodoulou of South Africa).
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Gabriel F. Cordero.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
A TRIO OF MATCHUPS ADDED TO "CHAMPIONING MENTAL HEALTH: A NIGHT OF BOXING" PRESENTED BY 555 MEDIA AND BASH BOXING
, Fri, 09 May 2025SHAW SURGES AS CAPITO STUMBLES IN TITLE DEFENCE | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
, Fri, 09 May 20252025 USA Boxing Youth Men’s and Women’s High Performance Teams announced
, Fri, 09 May 2025Jessie Villasin chess tournament on Sunday
By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 09 May 2025Press Conference Notes: San Diego Favorite Emanuel Navarrete Set to Reignite Mexico-Philippines Rivalry against Charly Suarez
, Fri, 09 May 2025SALITA PROMOTIONS PRESENTS: UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CLARESSA SHIELDS vs. LANI DANIELS SATURDAY, JULY 26 * LITTLE CAESARS ARENA
, Fri, 09 May 2025Unbeaten Anthony Velazquez pitched shutout at home in Springfield
, Fri, 09 May 2025TYSON FURY VOTED THE MOST ENTERTAINING BOXER IN THE WORLD, ACCORDING TO BRITISH FANS
, Fri, 09 May 2025Undefeated super middleweight contender Darius Fulghum preparing to ‘Make a big splash’ vs. Bek Melikuziev
, Fri, 09 May 2025OKC Routs Denver; 149-106, Ties Series; Semis Series in East Remain Topsy-turvy as Boston Goes Down 0-2 With 91-90 Loss to NY
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Thu, 08 May 2025SHAW SENDS A MESSAGE IN HUNT FOR UK OPEN GLORY | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
, Thu, 08 May 2025WBO presents the Amanda Serrano Championships
, Thu, 08 May 2025GM Antonio faces tough competition in ASEAN Seniors Chess Championships in Penang, Malaysia
By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 08 May 2025Boxing: Entertainment Sport or Sport Entertainment?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 07 May 2025JIM LAMPLEY'S BOOK TOUR IS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THIS WEEK!
, Wed, 07 May 2025CAPITO IGNITES TITLE DEFENCE IN STYLE | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
, Wed, 07 May 2025Sol Levinson: The Man Whose Gloves Elevated Boxing
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Tue, 06 May 2025Undefeated Cuban Heavyweight Prospect Dainier Pero Finishes Intense Las Vegas Training Camp Ahead of May 9 MVP Main Event on DAZN
, Tue, 06 May 2025The Past Week in Action 5 May 2025: Inoue-Cardenas Saves Historic Boxing Weekend; Canelo-Scull Sets New Record for Fewest Punches Thrown
By Eric Armit, , Tue, 06 May 2025Sampson Lewkowicz Congratulates Cardenas, Romero and Espinoza and Vows to Make Next Year's Cinco de Mayo Unforgettable, Highlighted by David Benavidez Facing the Winner of Bivol vs. Beterbiev
, Tue, 06 May 2025Saving the Best for Last: GSW Upstages Raw Rockets
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Tue, 06 May 2025Antonio, Bagamasbad face tough competition in Woman FIDE Master Sheerie Joy Lomibao Open Rapid Chess Tournament on May 18
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 06 May 2025Andres “Savage” Cortes Finishes Strong Training Camp Ahead of Crucial May 10 Clash Against Salvador Jimenez at Pechanga Arena San Diego
, Tue, 06 May 2025SALITA PROMOTIONS and ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT PRESENT HALL OF FAME FIGHT NIGHT
, Tue, 06 May 2025IBA embraces Bare Knuckle Boxing
, Tue, 06 May 2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
