Kazuto Ioka Sees Joshua Franco Fight as his Kick-off Towards Undisputed
Reigning WBO junior bantamweight champion Kazuto Ioka (29-2, 15 KOs) is just days away from stepping back into the ring. On December 31, he faces WBA 115-pound Super champion Joshua Franco (18-1-2, 8 KOs) at the Ota-City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.
MORE LEFT ON HIS PLATE
Having won world titles in four weight classes, some might think Ioka’s belly is full. That is far from the case. During an interview with Ring magazine, the Japanese superstar looks forward to facing Franco. He also disclosed what next he wants to accomplish long term.
“It will be a big opportunity. I have always said that I will unify the four belts in the junior bantamweight division. This will be the first step.”
NOT UNDERESTIMATING FRANCO
Arguably, Franco is the least spot-lit fighter in a star-studded junior bantamweight division. But the WBA champ can fight and is a legitimate threat. Ioka understands this reality.
“He does everything very well. I think he is a very aggressive and a smart fighter. But I will not know what to exploit until we are in the fight. He has fought in great fights in his career, and he has earned his right to fight in this big unification bout.”
That aside, Ioka is a pro’s pro. His last outing was a dominant rematch win over fellow four-division champion Donnie Nietes in July 2022. Recent bouts suggest the WBO champ is fighting at an extremely high level.
Ioka has been preparing for Franco in Las Vegas with his regular trainer Ismael Salas. It is the first time the champ has worked face-to-face with Salas in over two years due to COVID policies in Japan. Ioka believes he will be an even better fighter as a result.
Experienced, talented, and motivated, the future Hall of Famer is hungrier than ever. That could spell trouble not just for Franco, but also for the rest of the junior bantamweight division.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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