Kazuto Ioka v Jerwin Ancajas unification brings the division one step closer to undisputed
According to a Philippines newspaper, Business Mirror, Manny Pacquiao’s MP promotions head Sean Gibbon confirmed that negotiations are underway for a unification bout between WBO super flyweight champion Kazuto Ioka (27-2, 15ko) and IBF champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas (33-1-2, 22ko).
It is huge news, and even better, the target date is the traditional New Year’s Eve end of the year slot, possibly taking place in Japan.
“We are working with a unification fight with Ioka….It’s fine and no problem with Japan, but we just have to figure out the quarantine restrictions.” ~ Sean Gibbons
Ioka has indicated a desire to fight Pretty Boy in a unification on several occasions, and it appears he is backing up the talk with action.
“To receive recognition as a pound-for-pound fighter worldwide meant a great deal to me, as far as respect. I still have a goal to gain more recognition in the world. There is much more to achieve. My goal is to unify the belts.”
“Then hope for a unification fight with the IBF champion.”
THE ROAD TO UNDISPUTED
As always, whenever you hear of a unification, fans automatically start to think undisputed is next. The boxing community is awaiting the rescheduling of the mega-fight trilogy between unified champion Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman Gonzalez.
The trilogy between Estrada and Gonzalez was originally set for October 16. However, Gonzalez tested positive for COVID-19, and no official announcement has yet to be made about a new date. The winner of this trilogy undoubtedly will be expected to go for undisputed.
Ancajas is the longest-reigning champion in the division, winning the title away from McJoe Arroyo back in 2016. On March 15, Pretty Boy set social media on fire after news dropped that he changed promotional homes, leaving Top Rank to fight under the Premier Boxing Champions flagship. Fighting under the PBC banner, the IBF champion won a unanimous decision in a breathtaking, all-out war against mandatory challenger Jonathan Rodriguez.
Ioka is the 3kingsboxing #8 fighter of the website’s Top 10 Fighters. Moreover, Ioka’s blowout eighth round beatdown of Japanese phenom and three-divisional champion Kosei Tanaka is the reason he was named 3kingsboxing’s Fighter To Look Out For In 2021.
These are the type of fights boxing needs, and hopefully they will get made. Fans want to see two champions in their prime laying it all on the line looking to establish a legacy.
3kingsboxing will continue to follow this story and provide any future developments.
By: Garrisson Bland
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