Kazuto Ioka vs Donnie Nietes Update!!!
Kazuto Ioka and Donnie Nietes each fought as part of the #SuperFly3 card in September. Coming out of retirement, Ioka (23-1, 13 KO’s) scored an impressive decision win over McWilliams Arroyo. Meanwhile, Nietes (41-1-5 23 KO’s) fought to a controversial draw against Aston Palicte; a fight in which most felt Nietes won clearly. Following their bout 3KingsBoxing reported that there were plans being made for a December showdown between Ioka and Nietes.
Well, here’s an update on that rumor. 3KingsBoxing has learned Nietes and Ioka have agreed to a fight. Negotiations are very close to completion and the match is likely to take place on December 31 in Macau. An official announcement should come within the next few days.
Interestingly, this bout will not happen in Japan. As all hardcore boxing fans who pay attention to the lower-weight fighters overseas know, on December 30th and 31st Japan usually produces multiple boxing world title bouts featuring Japanese world champions to close out the year. Macau has become a hotbed and a big money spot for boxing over the last few years and the fact that Ioka–Nietes is happening there suggests the money was just too great to pass up.
With one of the biggest television draws in the Japanese boxing scene going abroad to close out the year, one has to wonder if there will be a big boxing bonanza show to close out 2018. Further, if there is, which of the world champions will be featured? With no announcement of any world title bouts to close out the year, it’s a wait-and-see.
By: Michael Wilson
