The boxing scene is set for a thrilling year-end showdown as Japan’s Kazuto Ioka (30-2-1, 15 KOs) defends his World Boxing Association (WBA) super flyweight title against Venezuelan challenger Josber Perez (20-3, 18 KOs). The title defense, scheduled for December 31, promises to be a highlight in Tokyo’s Ota-City General Gymnasium.
Ioka, 34, has been unbeaten since 2018, showcasing his prowess with seven wins, including two knockouts and a draw against Joshua Franco in their first encounter. His latest victory saw him claim the world belt from Franco last June, in a match where Franco failed to make weight. Ioka's resilience and skill have kept him at the top of his game, marking him as a formidable champion in the 115 lbs. division.
Josber Perez, hailing from Miranda, Venezuela, is no stranger to world title bouts. At 28, Perez boasts impressive knockout power, with a streak of four consecutive knockouts before the fourth round, demonstrating a knockout rate above 90%. Despite a unanimous decision loss to undefeated Ukrainian Artem Dalakian in his first world title attempt, Perez has shown remarkable tenacity. His recent victories, including a national super flyweight title win over compatriot Jose Farfan via a third-round knockout, and quick victories over Rafael Hernandez and Jimmy Vivas, have set the stage for this high-stakes clash.
Fight card:
▪️Kazuto Ioka vs. Josber Perez, 12 rounds, for Ioka’s WBA junior bantamweight title ▪️Yoshimitsu Kimura vs. Kosuke Saka, 12 rounds, junior lightweight ▪️Daigo Higa vs. Navapon Khaikanha, 10 rounds, bantamweight ▪️Hayato Tsutsumi vs. Luis Moncion Ventura, 10 rounds, featherweight ▪️Kantaro Juri vs. Danai Ngiabphukhiaw, 8 rounds, junior bantamweight ▪️Masayuki Urashima vs. Kota Matsuno, 6 rounds, welterweight ▪️Hibiki Yoshimura vs. Toshiya Fujioka, 4 rounds, flyweight
