By Joe Koizumi
Four-division world champ Kazuto Ioka (24-2, 14 KOs), a skillful Japanese speedster, will make a mandatory defense of his WBO 115-pound belt against #1 Jeyvier Cintron (11-0-1NC, 5 KOs), Puerto Rico, on New Year’s Eve in Tokyo, Japan.
It was publicly announced on Thursday with Ioka in attendance. Cintron was a two-time Olympian representing Puerto Rico in 2012 and 2016. In London the fast-moving southpaw footworker became a quarter finalist. Ioka, 30, said, “I’d like to show the difference of professional experience and keep my belt.”
Cintron is very good unproven young talent. Big jump. Could be too soon.
This is BIG step up for Jeyvier. His dad, who’ my friend, believes his son is ready. Not an easy task but GO JEYVIER!