Kazuto Ioka became the new World Boxing Association super flyweight champion by defeating Joshua Franco by unanimous decision on Saturday at the Ota-City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.
The home fighter put on a great fight and proved to be the best man in the ring to take the 116-112, 116-112 and 115-113 scorecards in a fight in which he had to work hard to keep the belt.
It is worth remembering that former champion Joshua Franco had lost the title on the scales and only Ioka had the option to get the belt if he won. The Japanese came out focused and aggressive, used his combinations well and hurt Franco’s body to score the most rounds.
He did not have an easy opponent as the American came out to make his fight and use the ring well while throwing good combinations. However, this time it was not enough and he gave up advantages to the local.
In December, both had drawn in the first fight. Now the scales tipped to Ioka, who is back to being WBA champion after not holding the black and gold belt since 2017.
Ioka now has a record of 30 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw and 15 knockouts. Franco, meanwhile, left his record at 18 wins, 2 losses, 3 draws and 8 knockouts.
