By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda
WBA 115-pound champion Joshua Franco (18-1-3, 8 KOs), US, will square off against previously four-division titlist Kazuto Ioka (29-2-1, 15 KOs) in a grudge fight on this coming Saturday in Tokyo, Japan. Their first encounter on New Year’s Eve last saw a majority draw (114-114 twice, 115-113 for Franco) that meant Joshua’s hairline but successful defense of his belt. Then Ioka was the WBO ruler in a unification bout, but the skillful Japanese counterpuncher renounced his belt to pursue a rematch with his grudge rival.
Ioka showed a public workout with his Cuban trainer Ismael Salas yesterday, while Franco participated in a public training today (Tuesday). Each looked very fit, fast and fine in speed and skills to make us expect a very competitive rematch.
Ioka said, “This time I’ll win clearly and if possible score a knockout victory.”
Franco, the defending titlist, said, “I wish to score with more clearly effective punches to Ioka in order to appeal to the judges. If so, I’ll be a victor by a very clear decision.”
Time will tell.
_
Kinda sucks that Ioka had to give up his belt for pursuing a unification, but this is still a big fight (and the winner could always go after Ioka’s old belt with Nakatani now). Generally would be thinking that Ioka would find a way to win, but I’m through with sleeping on Franco now. I think he wins a clear decision this time, 8-4ish.
Respect to Ioka for taking this fight and can see how he would want to remove any doubt in defeating Franco this time around. I see him rising to the occasion with a great effort and retiring soon after. It would be a great way to end a stellar career for this master technician.
Excellent rematch! Anyone know where we can watch it? Ioka by close decision.