FERNANDO Martinez is now one of the WBA and IBF super-flyweight title holders following a great fight in Tokyo, Japan. Scores were announced as 116-112, 117-111 and 120-108, crowning Martinez the winner by unanimous decision.
It was an outstanding 115-pound fight between two heavyweights, worthy of the unification belt. A 120-108 scorecard posted by Eduardo Hernandez Sr appeared to be highly critical of Ioka’s efforts, but the right man got the nod.
Martinez started fast and was able to keep up the pace, except for a few slow rounds, mostly due to Ioka’s relentless body attacks. It was a frightening pace, considering Martinez, 17-0 (9 KOs), is 32 years old.
Ioka, 36, is four years old and falls to 31-3-1 (16 KOs). Having previously retired, Ioka may consider returning to the wilderness as a respected four-division world champion.
Marcos Maidana was celebrating in the ring with an away player who encouraged him. Martinez may now be chasing another rematch with WBC super-flyweight champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez, who defeated Juan Francisco Estrada last weekend. However, they are expected to reunite, which could leave Martinez looking elsewhere for a dance partner.
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