Kazuto Ioka
Born
井岡一翔

(1989-03-24) March 24, 1989
Sakai, Japan
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
Reach66+1⁄2 in (169 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights34
Wins31
Wins by KO16
Losses2
Draws1

Kazuto Ioka (井岡 一翔, Ioka Kazuto, born 24 March 1989) is a Japanese professional boxer. He is the first male Japanese boxer and fourth Asian to be a four-weight world champion,[1] having held the unified WBA and WBC mini-flyweight titles between 2011 and 2012, the WBA (Regular) light-flyweight title from 2012 to 2014, the WBA flyweight title from 2015 to 2017, the WBO super-flyweight title from 2019 to 2023, and the WBA super-flyweight title since June 2023. As of July 2023, he is ranked as the world’s second-best active super-flyweight by The Ring magazine, and third by BoxRec and the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board.[2][3][4]

Amateur career

Kazuto Ioka is the nephew of flyweight champion Hiroki Ioka. Kazuto asked his father to teach him how to box as a teenager. His father, Kazunori Ioka, would continue training him through his amateur and professional career. Ioka amassed a record of 95-10 as an amateur, winning six national high school tournaments along the way. He reached the semifinals of the 2008 King's Cup, an amateur boxing tournament held in Thailand, before losing to Amnat Ruenroeng.[5] Ioka joined Tokyo Agricultural University, hoping to represent his country in the 2008 Olympics but he would fall short on the qualifiers.[6]

Highlights

  • 16th All Japan Selected High School Boxing Championships, Light flyweight Tournament winner (2005)
  • 17th All Japan Selected High School Boxing Championships, Light flyweight Tournament winner (2006)
  • 59th Inter-highschool championships, Boxing, Light flyweight Tournament winner
  • 60th Inter-highschool championships, Boxing, Light flyweight Tournament winner
  • 60th National Sports Festival, Boxing, Boys, Light flyweight Tournament winner
  • 61st National Sports Festival, Boxing, Boys, Light flyweight Tournament winner
  • 62nd National Sports Festival, Boxing, Adult, Light flyweight Tournament winner
  • 63rd National Sports Festival, Boxing, Adult, Light flyweight Tournament winner

Professional career

Early career

Upon failing to qualify for the Olympics, Ioka dropped out from college and turned professional in 2009. On April 12, 2009, he fought against Thongthailek Sor Tanapinyo, and won his debut via a third-round technical knockout. After this victory, he won six straight victories. After winning 5 fights, Ioka competed for the vacant Japanese light flyweight title. Ioka captured the national title by stopping Masayoshi Segawa in the final 10th round.

Mini-flyweight

WBC mini-flyweight champion

In his next fight, Ioka won the WBC mini-flyweight title from Oleydong Sithsamerchai via a fifth-round technical knockout in the latter's seventh title defence at the World Memorial Hall, in February 2011. Sithsamerchai was knocked down twice over the course of his first professional loss.

Ioka went on to defend his title twice in 2011, first against Juan Hernández, winning via unanimous decision (118–111, 117–111, 116–112), and then against Yodgoen Tor Chalermchai, winning via first-round technical knockout on New Year's Eve 2011.[7]

Unified mini-flyweight champion

On 20 June 2012, Ioka met WBA champion Akira Yaegashi in a match that marked the first time two Japanese fighters had met to unify world titles. The fight took place at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium. Ioka defeated the WBA champion Akira Yaegashi via a unanimous decision (115–113, 115–113, 115–114). The two fighters exchanged hard shots throughout a tense, tactical fight. The fight ended with Yaegashi and Ioka trading combinations while looking for a knockout. From early in the fight, Yaegashi's eye was nearly shut. The ringside doctor performed several checks on it but Yaegashi was allowed to finish the fight.[8][9][10] When asked whether the result would have been different unless he got swollen eyes, Yaegashi said "We should not think about it. There is no if's in boxing".[11] The day after the fight, Ioka decided to move up a weight division.[12][13]

Light-flyweight

WBA (Regular) light-flyweight champion

Shortly after the fight, Ioka moved up to light flyweight as well. On December 31, 2012, Ioka beat undefeated José Alfredo Rodríguez for the vacant WBA (Regular) light-flyweight title at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium. Ioka knocked Rodríguez down once in round 1 and twice in round 6 before the referee stopped the fight.[14] Ioka held the Regular version of the WBA's title, while Román Gonzalez was the WBA (Super) champion.[15] Ioka went on to defend his title three times but he never faced González.

Flyweight

On February 28, 2014, Ioka would vacate the WBA title to move up to the flyweight division in order to attempt becoming a three division world champion.[16] On May 7, 2014, Ioka faced Thai IBF champion Amnat Ruenroeng at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium. Ioka seemed to be the more active boxer but Ruenroeng landed heavier blows while countering Ioka. Ruenroeng lost a point for hitting after the break. Nevertheless, Ruenroeng retained his title with a split decision (119–108, 115–112, 113–114).[17] The 119–108 card turned in by judge Pawel Kardyni was criticized as being far too wide.[18]

WBA flyweight champion

On April 22, 2015, Ioka realized his goal to be a triple champion, when he defeated WBA (Regular) champion Juan Carlos Reveco by majority decision (116–113, 115–113, 114–114). The fight saw Reveco take the early rounds but Ioka came on strong in the middle rounds and got the nod in the end.[19] Reveco appealed the decision to the World Boxing Association, who ordered an immediate rematch.[20] Ioka was later granted a voluntary defense against Roberto Sosa, with the winner ordered to face Reveco.[21] Ioka beat Sosa in a shutout unanimous decision (120–108, 119–109, 119–109). The Ioka-Reveco rematch was set for December 2015. Ioka outworked Reveco at the start of the match. However, Reveco started rallying in round 7. Ioka answered in kind, nearly knocking out Reveco. Reveco finally went down in round 11 following a series of hooks to the body.[22]

Ioka was nearing a deal to fight WBA (Super) flyweight champion Juan Francisco Estrada, when the latter vacated to compete at super flyweight.[23] Ioka was knocked down for the first time in his career against 18 year old challenger and WBA interim champion Stamp Kiatniwat. Ioka rallied, pummeling Kiatniwat to the body, until he finally dropped the challenger twice in round 9. The referee halted the fight with the second knockdown. The win was Ioka's fourth flyweight defense.[24]

In November 2017, Ioka vacated his title after five successful defenses. He was planning to defend on December 31 but his father stated that he would not be ready to do so, as he hadn't kept up with his training after getting married earlier in the year to Nana Tanimura.[25][26] Ioka went on to announce his retirement at age 28 after getting married and reportedly falling out with his father and promoter, Kazunori Ioka.[27]

Super-flyweight

On New Year's Eve in 2018, Ioka fought four weight champion Donnie Nietes for the WBO super-flyweight title in an attempt to win a world title in a fourth weight class. Although many thought Ioka had done enough to win the fight, he controversially lost by split decision, with a 116–112 scorecard in his favor being overruled by 116–112 and 118–110 scorecards in favor of Nietes.[28]

WBO super-flyweight champion

In June 2019, Ioka fought Aston Palicte for the vacant WBO super flyweight title in his second attempt to become a four-weight champion. In the tenth round, after leading on all three judges' scorecards, Ioka scored a TKO victory to become the first Japanese boxer in history to win a major title in four weight classes.[29]

On New Year's Eve in 2019, Ioka fought undefeated Jeyvier Cintrón in his first defense of his WBO title, winning a twelve-round unanimous decision with two judges scoring the bout 116–112 and the third scoring it 115–113.[30]

Ioka made the second defense of his WBO title in an exciting fight against undefeated three weight champion and domestic foe Kosei Tanaka on New Year's Eve 2020 in Tokyo.[31] After a competitive first four rounds in which Tanaka was the aggressor and Ioka found success with counter punches, Ioka dropped his opponent in the fifth round with a counter left hook. With about a minute left in the sixth round, he again knocked Tanaka down. In the eighth round, Ioka caught his opponent with another hard counter left hook, and referee Michiaki Someya caught Tanaka before he could fall and waved off the fight, with Ioka retaining his WBO title via eighth-round technical knockout.[32]

On June 1, 2021, the WBO ordered Ioka to defend his super-flyweight title against their #2 contender in the division, former unified mini-flyweight champion Francisco Rodríguez Jr.[33] The bout between Ioka and Rodríguez took place on September 1, 2021 in Tokyo.[34] Ioka won the fight by unanimous decision, with all three judges awarding scores of 116–112 in his favor.[35]

Ioka vs. Ancajas cancellation

Ioka was expected to face the IBF super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas in a title unification bout on December 31, 2021, at the Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.[36] The fight was officially postponed on December 3, as stricter COVID-19 measures imposed by the Japanese government prevented Ancajas from entering the country.[37] Ioka was rescheduled to face the WBO Asia Pacific and OPBF super flyweight champion Ryoji Fukunaga instead, on the same date and at the same venue.[38] He won the fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 115-113, 116-112 and 118-110.[39]

Ioka vs. Nietes II

On April 1, 2022, the WBO ordered Ioka to make a mandatory title defense against Donnie Nietes. The bout will be a rematch of their December 31, 2018, fight, which Nietes won by split decision.[40] The pair came to an agreement a month later, and officially announced the bout for July 13.[41] Ioka won the fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 120–108, 118–110 and 117–111.[42]

Ioka vs. Franco

On December 31, 2022, Ioka made his sixth super flyweight title defense in a unification bout with WBA champion Joshua Franco.[43] They fought into a majority draw and retained both their titles.[44] Ioka vacated the WBO title on February 14, in order to face Franco in a rematch after being ordered to make a mandatory title defense against Junto Nakatani.[45] Ioka beat Franco by unanimous decision to capture the WBA title, which was previously vacated as Franco failed to make weight.[46]

Personal life

Ioka was born in Sakai, Osaka, and currently resides in Tokyo.[47]

In April 2021, reports surfaced that Ioka had failed a drug test and tested positive for marijuana, with the sample having been examined at length as part of an ongoing investigation with the National Police Agency as well as the Japanese Boxing Commission (JBC).[48] Speaking on Ioka's behalf, his lawyer Masanao Hattori said that Ioka “strongly denies he has ever used” any form of cannabis, and suggested it could be attributed to the use of CBD oil.[49] On 19 May 2021, Ioka was cleared of all doping charges, as it emerged that the JBC had mishandled the samples, and they took responsibility for their poor sample management.[50][51]

Professional boxing record

34 fights 31 wins 2 losses
By knockout 16 0
By decision 15 2
Draws 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
33 Win 31–2–1 Josber Perez KO 7 (12), 2:44 Dec 31, 2023 Ota City General Gymnasium, Ōta, Tokyo, Japan Retained WBA super-flyweight title
33 Win 30–2–1 Joshua Franco UD 12 Jun 24, 2023 Ota City General Gymnasium, Ōta, Tokyo, Japan Won vacant WBA super-flyweight title
32 Draw 29–2–1 Joshua Franco MD 12 Dec 31, 2022 Ota City General Gymnasium, Ōta, Tokyo, Japan Retained WBO super-flyweight title;
For WBA super-flyweight title
31 Win 29–2 Donnie Nietes UD 12 Jul 13, 2022 Ota City General Gymnasium, Ōta, Tokyo, Japan Retained WBO super-flyweight title
30 Win 28–2 Ryoji Fukunaga UD 12 Dec 31, 2021 Ota City General Gymnasium, Ōta, Tokyo, Japan Retained WBO super-flyweight title
29 Win 27–2 Francisco Rodríguez Jr. UD 12 Sep 1, 2021 Ota City General Gymnasium, Ōta, Tokyo, Japan Retained WBO super-flyweight title
28 Win 26–2 Kosei Tanaka TKO 8 (12), 1:35 Dec 31, 2020 Ota City General Gymnasium, Ōta, Tokyo, Japan Retained WBO super-flyweight title
27 Win 25–2 Jeyvier Cintrón UD 12 Dec 31, 2019 Ota City General Gymnasium, Ōta, Tokyo, Japan Retained WBO super-flyweight title
26 Win 24–2 Aston Palicte TKO 10 (12), 1:46 Jun 19, 2019 Makuhari Messe, Chiba, Japan Won vacant WBO super-flyweight title
25 Loss 23–2 Donnie Nietes SD 12 Dec 31, 2018 Wynn Palace, Macau, SAR For vacant WBO super-flyweight title
24 Win 23–1 McWilliams Arroyo UD 10 Sep 8, 2018 The Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S. Won WBC Silver super-flyweight title
23 Win 22–1 Noknoi CP Freshmart UD 12 Apr 23, 2017 Edion Arena, Osaka, Japan Retained WBA flyweight title
22 Win 21–1 Stamp Kiatniwat TKO 7 (12), 2:51 Dec 31, 2016 Shimazu Arena, Kyoto, Japan Retained WBA flyweight title
21 Win 20–1 Keyvin Lara KO 11 (12), 1:11 Jul 20, 2016 Edion Arena, Osaka, Japan Retained WBA (Regular) flyweight title
20 Win 19–1 Juan Carlos Reveco TKO 11 (12), 1:57 Dec 31, 2015 Edion Arena, Osaka, Japan Retained WBA (Regular) flyweight title
19 Win 18–1 Roberto Sosa UD 12 Sep 27, 2015 Edion Arena, Osaka, Japan Retained WBA (Regular) flyweight title
18 Win 17–1 Juan Carlos Reveco MD 12 Apr 22, 2015 Bodymaker Colosseum, Osaka, Japan Won WBA (Regular) flyweight title
17 Win 16–1 Jean Piero Pérez KO 5 (10), 2:09 Dec 31, 2014 Bodymaker Colosseum, Osaka, Japan
16 Win 15–1 Pablo Carrillo UD 10 Sep 16, 2014 Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan
15 Loss 14–1 Amnat Ruenroeng SD 12 May 7, 2014 Bodymaker Colosseum, Osaka, Japan For IBF flyweight title
14 Win 14–0 Felix Alvarado UD 12 Dec 31, 2013 Bodymaker Colosseum, Osaka, Japan Retained WBA (Regular) light-flyweight title
13 Win 13–0 Kwanthai Sithmorseng KO 7 (12), 2:18 Sep 11, 2013 Bodymaker Colosseum, Osaka, Japan Retained WBA (Regular) light-flyweight title
12 Win 12–0 Wisanu Kokietgym KO 9 (12), 2:51 May 8, 2013 Bodymaker Colosseum, Osaka, Japan Retained WBA (Regular) light-flyweight title
11 Win 11–0 José Alfredo Rodríguez TKO 6 (12), 2:50 Dec 31, 2012 Bodymaker Colosseum, Osaka, Japan Won vacant WBA (Regular) light-flyweight title
10 Win 10–0 Akira Yaegashi UD 12 Jun 20, 2012 Bodymaker Colosseum, Osaka, Japan Retained WBC mini-flyweight title;
Won WBA mini-flyweight title
9 Win 9–0 Yodgoen Tor Chalermchai TKO 1 (12), 1:38 Dec 31, 2011 Prefectural Gymnasium, Osaka, Japan Retained WBC mini-flyweight title
8 Win 8–0 Juan Hernández UD 12 Aug 10, 2011 Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan Retained WBC mini-flyweight title
7 Win 7–0 Oleydong Sithsamerchai TKO 5 (12), 1:07 Feb 11, 2011 World Memorial Hall, Kobe, Japan Won WBC mini-flyweight title
6 Win 6–0 Masayoshi Segawa TKO 10 (10), 1:57 Oct 10, 2010 Prefectural Gymnasium, Osaka, Japan Won vacant Japanese light-flyweight title
5 Win 5–0 Albert Alcoy TKO 9 (10), 1:57 Jul 25, 2010 Prefectural Gymnasium, Osaka, Japan
4 Win 4–0 Heri Amol UD 10 Apr 18, 2010 Prefectural Gymnasium, Osaka, Japan
3 Win 3–0 Takashi Kunishige UD 10 Dec 29, 2009 Prefectural Gymnasium, Osaka, Japan
2 Win 2–0 Hiroshi Matsumoto TKO 2 (8), 2:59 Jul 26, 2009 Prefectural Gymnasium, Osaka, Japan
1 Win 1–0 Thongthailek Sor Tanapinyo TKO 3 (6), 0:26 Apr 12, 2009 Prefectural Gymnasium, Osaka, Japan

See also

References

  1. ↑ Donovan, Jake. "Kazuto Ioka-Junto Nakatani: WBO Formally Orders Mandatory Title Fight". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  2. ↑ "Ratings". The Ring. Retrieved 2020-12-20.
  3. ↑ "BoxRec: Ratings". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2020-12-20.
  4. ↑ "RANKINGS | Transnational Boxing Rankings Board". Archived from the original on 2014-12-06. Retrieved 2020-12-20.
  5. ↑ "Kazuto Ioka".
  6. ↑ "Who is Kazuto Ioka?".
  7. ↑ "Ioka defends against Chalermchai in WBC Strawweight title bout Saturday, December 31st". The Boxing Tribune. 2011-12-27. Retrieved 2021-05-18.
  8. ↑ Corey Erdman (June 20, 2012). "Ioka bests valiant Yaegashi to unify strawweight titles". RingTV.com. Archived from the original on October 22, 2013. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
  9. ↑ Mark Ortega (June 20, 2012). "Kazuto Ioka Decisions One-Eyed Akira Yaegashi In Minimumweight Title Tilt". Queensberry-Rules.com. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
  10. ↑ Jake Donovan (June 20, 2012). "Kazuto Ioka Outlasts Akira Yaegashi In A War". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
  11. ↑ 藤原 翔 (June 20, 2012). 敗者、八重樫に涙なし 「またイチから…」 (in Japanese). MSN Sankei News. Archived from the original on June 21, 2012. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
  12. ↑ 井岡と八重樫 ライトフライ級で再戦誓う (in Japanese). Sports Nippon. June 22, 2012. Retrieved June 21, 2012.
  13. ↑ 八重樫「悔しい」井岡との再戦に意欲 (in Japanese). Daily Sports. June 22, 2012. Retrieved June 21, 2012. (includes photo)
  14. ↑ Boxing - Ioka steps up to win WBA light-fly belt Yahoo Eurosport UK December 31, 2012
  15. ↑ "Kazuto Ioka stops a game Jose Rodriguez in 6". 31 December 2012.
  16. ↑ Kazuto Ioka relinquished his 108-pound belt http://www.wbanews.com/ February 28, 2014
  17. ↑ "Amnat Ruenroeng hands Kazuto Ioka first loss by decision". The Ring. May 7, 2014. Retrieved May 21, 2015.
  18. ↑ "Amnat Ruenroeng Takes Split Nod over Kazuto Ioka".
  19. ↑ "Kazuto Ioka takes WBA flyweight title from Juan Carlos Reveco". ESPN. April 22, 2015.
  20. ↑ "WBA orders Ioka vs Reveco rematch". World Boxing Association. May 20, 2015.
  21. ↑ "Ioka vs. Sosa is Approved, but Winner Must Face Reveco".
  22. ↑ Vázquez, Andrés (31 December 2015). "Dura derrota de Reveco en Osaka ante Ioka: KOT en el undécimo round". La Nación.
  23. ↑ "Juan Francisco Estrada Vacates the WBA Flyweight Crown".
  24. ↑ "Kazuto Ioka Survives Knockdown, Stomps Stamp Kiatniwat in Seven".
  25. ↑ "WBA flyweight champ Kazuto Ioka relinquishes title". 9 November 2017.
  26. ↑ "Kazuto Ioka vacates WBA title, retirement rumoured".
  27. ↑ "Kazuto Ioka retires at 28". 2 January 2018.
  28. ↑ Stumberg, Patrick L. (2018-12-31). "Nietes wins questionable decision over Ioka in Macau". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 2021-05-18.
  29. ↑ "BoxRec: Kazuto Ioka".
  30. ↑ "BoxRec: Kazuto Ioka".
  31. ↑ "Kazuto Ioka vs. Kosei Tanaka Set for New Year's Eve in Tokyo".
  32. ↑ Christ, Scott (2020-12-31). "Ioka vs Tanaka results: Kazuto Ioka stops Kosei Tanaka in eighth round, retains WBO title". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 2021-05-18.
  33. ↑ Stumberg, Patrick L. (2021-06-01). "WBO orders Kazuto Ioka to face Francisco Rodriguez Jr". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 2021-08-04.
  34. ↑ Stumberg, Patrick L. (2021-06-22). "Kazuto Ioka vs Francisco Rodriguez Jr set for September 1st in Japan". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 2021-08-04.
  35. ↑ Stumberg, Patrick L. (September 2021). "Kazuto Ioka retains super flyweight title with decision over Francisco Rodriguez Jr". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
  36. ↑ Ring TV (25 November 2021). "Kazuto Ioka-Jerwin Ancajas 115-pound unification clash set for New Year's Eve in Tokyo". ringtv.com. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  37. ↑ Stumberg, Patrick L. (3 December 2021). "Kazuto Ioka vs Jerwin Ancajas unification officially postponed". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  38. ↑ Wainwright, Anson. "Kazuto Ioka settles for a defense against Ryoji Fukunaga due to COVID restrictions". ringtv.com. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  39. ↑ Songalia, Ryan (31 December 2021). "Kazuto Ioka outpoints Ryoji Fukunaga to retain WBO junior bantamweight title". ringtv.com. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  40. ↑ Stumberg, Patrick L. (1 April 2022). "WBO orders Kazuto Ioka vs Donnie Nietes title rematch". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
  41. ↑ Donovan, Jake (3 May 2022). "Kazuto Ioka-Donnie Nietes Rematch Set For July 13 In Japan, Avoid WBO Purse Bid". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
  42. ↑ "井岡一翔が完封勝ちでニエテスに雪辱 "4階級王者対決"制しWBO･S･フライ級V5". boxingnews.jp. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
  43. ↑ Simpson, Luke. "Kazuto Ioka and Joshua Franco will compete in a Super Fly unification match on New Year's Eve in Japan". uksport.news. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  44. ↑ Donovan, Jake. "Joshua Franco, Kazuto Ioka Fight To Majority Draw In WBA/WBO Title Unification Bid". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
  45. ↑ Stumberg, Patrick L. (14 February 2023). "Kazuto Ioka vacates WBO super flyweight title in favor of Joshua Franco rematch". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  46. ↑ Donovan, Jake (24 June 2023). "Kazuto Ioka Outpoints Joshua Franco In Rematch, Wins WBA Title". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  47. ↑ "BoxRec: Kazuto Ioka". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2021-05-18.
  48. ↑ Donovan, Jake. "Kazuto Ioka Under Investigation By Japanese Boxing Commission Over Reported Positive Drug Test". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 2021-05-18.
  49. ↑ Giongco, Mark (2021-04-27). "Japanese champ Ioka tests positive for marijuana–report". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2021-05-18.
  50. ↑ "Ioka cleared of doping offenses, JBC take responsibility for poor sample management". ASIAN BOXING. Retrieved 2021-05-19.
  51. ↑ Stumberg, Patrick L. (2021-05-19). "JBC clears Kazuto Ioka of doping charge after mishandling samples". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 2021-05-19.
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