COVID-19 continues to plague the sport, holds up Ioka vs Ancajas unification
COVID-19 has struck again as a new variant strand called the Omicron has put yet another mega unification on hold. Boxing fans have been punched in the gut again with news of WBO super flyweight champion Kazuto Ioka (27-2, 15ko) and IBF champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas (33-1-2, 22ko) having to be called off.
A MAJOR LETDOWN
This rivalry unification between the Philippines and Japan goes deep. Therefore, fans were school-kid giddy waiting in anticipation when Ioka v Ancajas was announced to close out the year on December 31. The new Omicron variant outbreak has forced the Japanese government to disallow any outside visitors to enter the country.
Equally important, both champions were on the same page as far as wanting the fight.
“We are working with a unification fight with Ioka.”
Sean Gibbons – Manager for Ancajas
“To receive recognition as a pound-for-pound fighter worldwide meant a great deal to me….I hope for a unification fight with the IBF champion.”
WBO champion Kazuto Ioka
THE FIGHT WAS SO CLOSE
Then just as we were approaching the home stretch, the boxing gods’ cruelty struck once again. Honestly, fans should have seen this coming after the reported cancellation of IBF middleweight champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin v WBA ‘super’ champion Ryota Murata.
This hurt like a toothache with no painkillers. COVID also killed the trilogy fight between WBA ‘super’ champion Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman Gonzalez back in September. Equally important, Estrada receiving the WBC franchise title hampered the opportunity for a undisputed mega-showdown.
Furthermore, former champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Carlos Cuadras are ordered by the WBC to fight for the vacant title. One silver lining in all this is going into 2022, there are some great fights on the horizon.
Reading time: 2 minutes
By: Garrisson Bland
Be the first to comment