WBO Super Flyweight champion Kazuto Ioka vs Kosei Tanaka possible to closeout 2020
The good news just keeps on coming now that boxing has come out the corner energized and looking to do damage against the deadly challenger COVID-19. It seems as if everyone is stepping up to the plate to pump some life back into the sport of boxing.
Furthermore, over the past few weeks there has been news of unexpected big fights being announced. Although, fights may have to happen behind closed doors without an audience. Nonetheless, pundits and fans are just happy to hear that our Saturday thirst for combat will finally be fulfilled.
This brings us to the most current news. There is a possibility that a mega-fight could be taking place among the workhorses of the sport. Yes, we’re talking about the little guys! What a fight it will be if WBO Super flyweight champion Kazuto Ioka (25-2, 14ko) puts the title on the line against fellow countryman/former WBO flyweight champion Kosei Tanaka (15-0, 9ko).
THE TEASE BEFORE THE CRISIS
Now this fight has been brewing for quite some time. Moreover, both champions have teased the public with prelude fights back in December 2019. The two WBO champions were victorious and fans were gearing up for the huge showdown. Especially so when Tanaka vacated the title, moving up to super flyweight and adding even more kick to the punch bowl.
The WBO organization, per their rules of a champion in a lower division moving up gets the first crack at the title, ordered the fight between the super flyweight champion and the former flyweight champion back in February.
This sent fans into a frenzy until COVID-19 took all the air out of the balloon. However, it seems that this fight could happen. Given each fighter’s track record, it’s being rumored the fight may happen in December to close out the year.
INTERESTING FACTS
Ioka is a three-divisional champion and has held the title from all of the four major sanctioning bodies. Its also possible the fight takes place at the EDION Arena, where Ioka has never lost a fight.
Tanaka is tied with top pound for pound/unified lightweight champion Vasyl “Hi-Tech” Lomachenko (14-1, 10ko) for the fastest male fighter to win titles in three weight divisions. Furthermore, if victorious in winning a fourth title, he will hold a record for fastest male or female fighter to win titles in four divisions.
3kingsboxing will continue to monitor this situation and provide further updates.
By: Garrisson Bland
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