On September 27, at the Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka, Japan, Kazuto Ioka will defend his WBA World flyweight title against Roberto Domingo Sosa over a scheduled 12 rounds.

A resident of Osaka, 26-year-old Ioka is a six-year pro (17-1, 10 KOs) who won the title in his most recent fight, decisioning Juan Carlos Reveco in April of this year. In addition, Ioka won the WBA World minimumweight title by decisioning Akira Yaegashi in June 2012 and the sanctioning body’s vacant World light flyweight title in December 2012 by stopping Jose Alfredo Rodriguez via sixth-round TKO. Ioka’s only loss came in May 2014, decisioned by Amnat Ruenroeng.

An Argentine, 30-year-old Sosa turned pro nine years ago (26-2-1, 14 KOs), winning the vacant WBA Fedelatin super flyweight title in November 2007 by retiring Ariel Humberto Alassia in the third and again in June 2009 by stopping Elvis Garcia via eighth-round TKO. “Incho” most recently fought in July, drawing against Javier Nicolas Chacon. His last win came in March, decisioning Carlos Ruben Dario Ruiz. Sosa is 12th-ranked by the WBA.

“September 27 is my grandmother Mitsuko’s seventy-first birthday,” said Ioka, “and I wish to dedicate my fine victory to her.”

If the Japanese is victorious next month, there’ll be a rematch between him and Reveco on New Year’s Eve.

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.