Yesterday’s ESPN KnockOut broadcast from Argentina revealed some very intriguing info, as Maidana Promotions confirmed that unified super flyweight champion Fernando Martinez will rematch four-division titlist Kazuto Ioka on one of Japan’s traditional New Year’s Eve shows.
“Pumita” Martinez (17-0, 9 KO) proved his roar warrior credentials by overpowering Ioka (31-3-1, 16 KO) last month in what was by all accounts an excellent, competitive fight. I’m ordinarily leery of instant rematches when the first bout had a clear winner, but with WBO titlist Kosei Tanaka booked for an October title defense against Phumelele Cafu and WBC champ Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez contractually obligated to rematch Juan Francisco Estrada, it’s not like running it back will delay anything.
Plus, it figures to be another great fight. Ioka is the older man at 35 and struggled early with Martinez’s nonstop attack, but he’s 2-0 in rematches, handily beating Donnie Nietes and Joshua Franco in their respective second meetings. Looking forward to this one.