This Sunday, May 11th, early in the morning in the United States, fireworks are expected in Tokyo as Argentina’s Fernando “Puma” Martínez (pictured) and Japan’s Kazuto Ioka square off in a long-anticipated rematch at the Ota City General Gymnasium. On the line: Martínez’s WBA super flyweight world title—and a shot at redemption for Ioka. Martinez previously held the IBF title and defeated Ioka last July to unify two titles. He elected a road rematch vs. Ioka rather than the IBF mandatory. Martínez, the relentless pressure fighter out of Argentina, has turned heads in the boxing world with his all-action style, sheer punch volume, and tireless engine. Undefeated as a pro, he burst onto the scene by dominating ex-champ Jerwin Ancajas not once, but twice, announcing himself as a force to be reckoned with at 115 pounds. Known for breaking opponents down with suffocating pressure and non-stop combinations, “Puma” comes into this fight with confidence—and a target on his back.
Standing in his way is Ioka, one of Japan’s most decorated fighters and a master technician with world titles in four weight classes. Ioka is looking to rewrite the ending after losing a unanimous decision to Martínez a year ago, a fight in which he surrendered the WBA belt he now hopes to reclaim. At age 35, Ioka knows this could be his last shot at the top.
The match-up hinges on two critical factors: Martínez’s ability to close the distance and smother Ioka with his trademark volume, and Ioka’s counterpunching and surgical accuracy. If Ioka can time Martínez’s charges and find space to work, he may be able to neutralize the Argentine’s aggression. But if Martínez turns up the heat early and keeps the pressure cooking, the Japanese veteran could find himself drowning in leather once again. Beyond the title at stake, this is a fight with major implications for the super flyweight division. A win would catapult Martínez further into the international spotlight, while an Ioka victory would further raise his legacy as one of Japan’s all-time greats.
