Kazuto Ioka Set to Battle Countryman Takuma Inoue on May 2
Veteran star Kazuto Ioka is on the brink of history. The 36-year-old will attempt to become Japan’s first five-division world champion when he challenges reigning WBC bantamweight titlist Takuma Inoue on May 2 in Tokyo, Japan.
Ioka (32-4-1, 17 KOs) has long been regarded as one of the premier lower-weight fighters of his era. He’s a former world champion at minimumweight, light flyweight, flyweight and junior bantamweight. The decorated fighter has built a résumé that virtually guarantees future Hall of Fame honors. His technical precision, championship experience and longevity have separated him from many of his peers.
IOKA HUNGRY TO PROVE HE HAS MORE TO GIVE
Still, some observers believe Father Time may finally be catching up. At 36, questions linger about whether Ioka can still compete at the elite level. Yet he quieted some doubters in December 2025 with a fourth-round knockout of Maikel Ordosgoitti. The win signals that he may still have championship-caliber performances left.
Standing in his way is the skilled and confident Inoue (21-2, 5 KOs), who is widely considered one of the top fighters at 118 pounds. The younger Inoue captured the vacant WBC bantamweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Tenshin Nasukawa in November 2025. A win over a decorated veteran like Ioka would significantly elevate his résumé and solidify his standing among the division’s elite.
This compelling, all-Japanese showdown will take place on the undercard of a massive main event featuring undisputed junior featherweight champion Naoya Inoue against three-division world champion Junto Nakatani – a card that promises to be one of the most significant nights in Japanese boxing history.
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