FERNANDO Martinez has emerged as the unified WBA and IBF super-flyweight titleholder after a intense battle in Tokyo, Japan. The judges’ scores were 116-112, 117-111, and 120-108, declaring Martinez the winner by unanimous decision.
It was a thrilling showdown between two exceptional fighters in the 115-pound division, fitting for a unification fight. While Eduardo Hernandez Sr’s 120-108 card seemed harsh towards Ioka, Martinez rightfully secured the victory.
Martinez started strong and maintained his pace throughout the fight, with occasional dips in momentum due to Ioka’s relentless body shots. The pace was relentless, especially considering Martinez’s record of 17-0 (9 KOs) at the age of 32.
Despite being 36 years old, Ioka with a record of 31-3-1 (16 KOs) fought valiantly. A former four-division world champion, Ioka might contemplate retirement once again after this loss.
Martinez’s promoter, Marcos Maidana, celebrated with him in the ring after the fight. Martinez now has his sights set on a potential unification bout against WBC super-flyweight champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez, who recently defeated Juan Francisco Estrada. However, a Rodriguez-Estrada rematch is also on the horizon, leaving Martinez to explore other options for his next fight.