The prestigious unification of the IBF and WBA super flyweight world titles saw Argentine Fernando Daniel “Pumita” Martinez (17-0-0, 9 KOs) triumph, defeating the brave local idol Kazuto Ioka (31-3-1, 16 KOs) at the Kokugikan in Tokyo thanks to a superlative performance. The fight was intense and exciting, ending with the following unanimous scores in favor of the winner: 117-111, 120-108, 116-112.
Despite the hostile crowd and his underdog status according to bookmakers, Martinez showcased extraordinary personality from the start, setting a blistering pace in the first rounds. The Argentine pounced on his rival, bombarding him with punches from every angle, and for three rounds, he never gave Ioka a moment to breathe, suffocating him with his relentless pressure and high work rate.
After dominating the fourth round, surprisingly fought as an outfighter, Martinez was finally forced to slow down due to his high energy expenditure. From the middle of the fifth round, Kazuto Ioka managed to get into the fight. Clearly inferior in terms of reactivity, Ioka relied on his excellent technique, using his left jab constantly and employing body uppercuts with impeccable style.
The central phase of the fight was marked by greater balance, but the noticeably greater impact of Martinez’s punches compared to Ioka’s allowed the Argentine fighter to further increase his lead. While the Japanese boxer’s blows landed without producing any tangible effects, his opponent’s punches literally moved Ioka’s head left and right, undoubtedly impressing the judges.
Only in the tenth round, while Martinez was catching his breath, did the hometown hero truly take control of the ring, effectively mixing combinations to the body and head of his opponent. Ioka strove with determination to maintain his momentum in the championship rounds, but the final round saw a resurgence from Martinez, who, despite his fatigue, used his remaining energy to finish the fight strongly and put an exclamation point on his outstanding performance.
It was inevitable that the judges unanimously favored the Puma from Buenos Aires. The 120-108 score from Mr. Edward Hernandez Sr was too harsh on Ioka, but it doesn’t change the essence: Martinez’s superiority was clear and undeniable, and now the Argentine can be proud of the two belts around his waist. Nonetheless, compliments are due to Kazuto Ioka, who in fifteen years of career has never shied away from a tough challenge, always giving his all in the ring, and who, even today after many battles, continues to offer the public excitement and thrills.