Fernando Martinez beats Ioka to become unified champion

Fernando Martinez emerged victorious in hostile territory following a unanimous decision win over Kazuto Ioka to claim the IBF and WBA world super flyweight championship on Sunday at the Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan.

VIVA ARGENTINA ????????

Fernando Martinez beats Kazuto Ioka by UD in Tokyo ????#AndTheNew WBA Super Flyweight Champion ????????#Boxing #Boxeo #WBABoxing #WBA #IokaMartinez pic.twitter.com/h9CdhawJ8z

— WBA Boxing (@WBABoxing) July 7, 2024

Martinez, who beat Jerwin Ancajas twice, used his trademark aggression in the early going throwing combinations with bad intentions to the head and body.

Ioka, a four-division champion, stood his ground and threw punches of his own, even seemingly hurting Martinez when he dug the body. Though game and willing to trade, Martinez was simply the busier fighter who landed the cleaner shouts all night.

After twelve rounds of action, all three judges saw the fight for Martinez, improving his perfect record to 17-0 with 9 knockouts while Ioka dropped to 31-3-1 with 16 knockouts. The scorecards were 120-108, 117-111, and 116-112.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News