Argentinian slugger Fernando Martinez spoiled the party in Tokyo by scoring a 12-round unanimous decision over the legendary Kazuto Ioka in their super flyweight unification fight on Sunday. The official scores were 120-108 (disgraceful judging), 117-111, and 116-112.
Martinez (17-0, 9 KOs) put forth an incredible offensive effort in the first half of the fight and held off Ioka, who used his experience to claw his way back. The visitor then produced the type of form needed in the championship rounds to secure the decision he was awarded.
Ioka was hurt in the opening seconds of round one and appeared to be in serious trouble. His head was snapped back by an assortment of power shots as Martinez sought the sensational early finish. That remained the pattern throughout the early sessions.
Slowly the tide began to turn as Martinez’s attack slowed. Calling on all his experience, Ioka targeted the body and drained his opponent’s resources with a cerebral and accurate assault. It looked like Ioka would pull off the dramatic comeback, but unfortunately for the home fans, it was not to be.
Martinez dug deep in the championship rounds, winning both sessions with a mixture of aggressiveness and smart boxing. Ioka lost his timing and distance during a crucial period in the fight and surrendered his WBA title to the Argentinian fighter who entered the bout as IBF champion.
The 32-year-old Martinez scores the biggest win of his career to date and kicks open the door to a superfight with WBC and Ring Magazine counterpart Bam Rodriguez. The new unified champ boxed very well against a legendary fighter and he deserved the decision.
Ioka, 35, entered his 26th world title bout as a four-weight world champion. The Japanese hero is one of the finest fighters to emerge from his country and he is a lock for the Hall of Fame. He falls to 31-3-1 (16 KOs) and has nothing more to prove.
Kazuto Ioka vs. Fernando Martinez undercard
- Fernando Martinez def. Kazuto Ioka via UD 12 (120-108, 117-111, 116-112) for the IBF/ WBA super flyweight world titles
- Seiya Tsutsumi def. Weerawat Noolae via TKO 4; Super Bantamweight
- Shun Sekine def. Chaiyarat Sawansoda via TKO 3; Super Lightweight
- Yudai Murakami def. Hiro Ichimichi via UD 8; Lightweight
- Taiga Kato def. Shi Dong via UD 6; Super Bantamweight
- Kantaro Juri def. Phai Pharob via UD 8; Super Flyweight
- Aoi Yokoyama def. Hao Wang via TKO 2; Bantamweight