Kazuto Ioka and Aston Palicte will fight for the vacaint WBO title!
On June 19 in Chiba, Japan, WBO #1 ranked super flyweight will square off against #2 ranked Kazuto Ioka for the vacant WBO title.
Having both lost to former champion Donnie Nietes, Palicte and Ioka will get the opportunity to fight for the now vacant title. If styles makes fights, look for this fight to be a good one.
Aston Palicte
Age: 28
Location: Bago City, Philippines
At 5’7”, Aston Palicte (25-2-1, 21 KO’s) is tall for a super flyweight. Not only is he tall for the division, he is big for the division. He has a frame that looks like he could easily fight at either bantamweight or super bantamweight.
Boasting solid fundamentals and skills, the Filipino is a fighter who likes to set up his opponents for his vaunted power punches.
In spite of his seek-and-destroy mentality, Palicte is patient. He maintains the ability to throw effective shots to the head and body, usually following an ever-improving left jab.
When he finds the range with the jab, watch out because he’s awfully dangerous.
Keys to Victory
Make this a war and find a home for the right-hand. Palicte’s best power punch is his right-hand. If he can find a way to make this a brawl and force Ioka to fight, it increases his chances to bomb away.
Kazuto Ioka
Age: 30
Location: Tokyo, Japan
A former minimumweight, junior flyweight and flyweight champion, Ioka (23-2, 13 KO’s) is seeking to become a four-time, four-division world champion. He is one of the most well-rounded fighters in the lower weight divisions with a top-notch resume.
A fighter who can do a bit of everything, the Tokyo fighter can stand on the outside and box, but has shown the ability to stand in the pocket and fight on the inside as well.
With good hand and foot speed, the Japanese former champion has the power to hurt his foe. Especially with the right-hand and left hook to the body. Also, given his experience and guile, Ioka is a tough out for anyone.
You have to be a really good fighter to beat him.
Keys to Victory
Ioka must use his speed and experience against an improving, yet slower opponent. Make Palicte move his feet. He must fight at angles and get the jab going so he can not only land his shots, but avoid the power of his opponent.
Prediction
Aston Palicte is the physically bigger and stronger fighter. Kazuto Ioka is the more experienced, skilled and faster fighter. Both fighters will land their share of shots.
In the end, if Ioka fights smart and uses his vast experience, he has enough to win. The best chance for Palicte to win is with power.
The problem is that Ioka knows this and will do what is needed to adjust and adapt. This fight will go the distance, but Ioka wins this one by decision.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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