On Sunday, WBA junior bantamweight Kazuto Ioka will return for his conventional New Yr’s Eve date when he faces former world title challenger Josber Perez on the Ota-Metropolis Common Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan.
Ioka, The Ring’s No. 1-rated junior bantamweight, had hoped to face Ring champion and WBC titlist Juan Francisco Estrada. Frustratingly, the 2 sides weren’t in a position to dealer a deal, however the present should go on.
“My crew spent a whole lot of time negotiating persistently with Estrada’s camp, however we had been unable to succeed in an settlement,” Ioka (30-2-1, 15 knockouts) instructed The Ring by means of Yusuke Ninomiya. “After all, it’s unlucky, however for me, the battle towards Estrada isn’t all the pieces.
“I’m a champion and I imagine it’s my obligation to have a battle towards a challenger. Additionally, there are numerous boxing followers who’re wanting ahead to my battle on New Yr’s Eve. Subsequently, even when it’s not a unification bout, I’ve determined to battle on New Yr’s Eve.”
Whereas a deal couldn’t be struck, it’s believed that the battle nonetheless has an opportunity sooner or later.
“Each my crew and Estrada’s camp will proceed to have discussions to make this match occur subsequent 12 months,” mentioned Ioka.
Nevertheless, which may be hindered by speak of IBF/WBO flyweight titlist Jesse Rodriguez heading again to 115-pounds, the place he talked about going through the a lot in-demand Estrada.
The 34-year-old Ioka has gained main titles in 4 weight courses. He initially gained titles at strawweight, however then moved as much as junior flyweight earlier than including extra {hardware} at flyweight.
He retired for 17 months earlier than returning and having fun with additional success at junior bantamweight, initially claiming the WBO title earlier than abdicating his thrown to face Joshua Franco of their rematch in the summertime.
Ioka is the consummate skilled and stays targeted on Perez, in what will likely be his first protection however hopes to safe a profession defining battle subsequent 12 months.
“This would be the twelfth time for me to have a title match on New Yr’s Eve,” he mentioned proudly. “I really feel it’s my mission to battle on New Yr’s Eve, and I’ll undoubtedly win this bout.
“I’ll turn out to be the unified champion in 2024.”
Whereas this can be one thing of a come-down from the proposed unification with Estrada, Ioka nonetheless has a job to be carried out and I count on him to field early and defuse the challenger’s energy earlier than forcing the stoppage in eight rounds.
Perez (20-3, 18 KOs) turned skilled in 2016. The ability-punching Venezuelan was upset in his fourth battle however rebounded properly, accumulating the nationwide title and in addition a regional WBA belt. The 28-year-old misplaced an in depth battle to former world title challenger Rober Barrera (UD 10).
Perez was dominated by Artem Dalakian (UD 12) when he challenged the Ukrainian for the WBA title in 2020. After a three-year hiatus he has returned with three wins.
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