Ioka exits retirement to fight at 115.
On Saturday September 8, former strawweight, junior flyweight and flyweight champion Kazuto Ioka will return to the ring after announcing his retirement earlier this year. He will fight McWilliams Arroyo on the Superfly 3 card in Inglewood, Ca. Ioka-Arroyo is very much a contest of a boxer (Ioka) versus a puncher (Arroyo).
Kazuto Ioka
Kazuto (22-1, 13 KOs) is very good at all the technical aspects of the sport. A well-schooled fighter who is always in great condition, the 29-year old is a boxer with excellent hand and footspeed. Throughout his career, he has also shown the ability to fight on the inside. In fact, his left hook to the body may well be the best punch in his arsenal.
McWilliams Arroyo
In short, McWilliams Arroyo (17-3, 14 KOs) is one tough fighter who can punch. Even though Arroyo has the reputation of an aggressive mid-range fighter with power, he has lowkey subtle skills including a pretty decent jab. Occasionally, McWilliams also switches from orthodox to southpaw throughout a fight as well. Like his opponent, Arroyo is also in excellent condition.
The Verdict
For a comeback fight, McWilliams Arroyo is tough opponent to choose. Ioka–Arroyo may well be the best and most exciting fight of the Superfly 3 card. Ioka is the slight favorite according to the bookies, but Arroyo will make for a very tough battle. It will be interesting to see how Ioka will fare fighting at 115 lbs. Can he carry his power up and hurt Arroyo at this weight? Time will tell.
Because of his advantage in skill and overall speed, I’m going with Ioka by decision. However, he better be not just physically, but mentally tough as well. If there are any moments of weakness, he will be exposed by the 32-year old Arroyo. This is a fight I’m really looking forward to watching; it’s going to be a good one folks!
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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