Kosei Tanaka On Kazuto Ioka: “I Want To Win This Match By KO”

Kosei Tanaka Envisions Himself As The Future Of Japanese Boxing

On November 9, WBO world Junior Bantamweight champ Kazuto Ioka (25-2, 14 KOs) announced that his next title defense will be against mandatory challenger Kosei Tanaka (15-0, 9 KOs) on December 31 at the Ota Ward Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.

Well, if the champion can have a presser, so can the challenger, and that is what Tanaka did. He held his virtual press conference on November 10 to discuss his upcoming fight against Ioka.

BOLD AND SELF-ASSURED

Much in the same way the champion gave off an aura of supreme confidence during his talk with the media, so did Tanaka. The 25-year-old from Nagoya, Japan made sure to show respect to Ioka, but at the same time did not mince words on how he feels this fight will end, according to the Japanese media outlet, BBM Sports.

(translated from Japanese) “The player has been leading the Japanese boxing world for ten years. The difference in all aspects, I will show you.

I will be stronger. This is a generational change. I want to win this match by KO. Ioka has nothing to lose in speed, power, stamina, etc. I will win and lead the Japanese boxing world; I want to do it.”

EYES ON FIGHTING ABROAD

Tanaka also said that should he win, he would like to fight abroad. He has an eye on fighting the likes of other high-profile fighters at Junior Bantamweight like WBC world champion Juan Francisco Estrada (41-3, 28 KOs) and WBA “Super” 115-pound champion Roman Gonzalez (50-2, 41 KOs).

Looking at and complimenting current unified IBF/WBA “Super” World Bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue (20-0, 17 KOs), who has taken his show on the road and gained recognition as one of the best pound for pound fighters in the sport, Tanaka would like to achieve the same accolades.

“I can do boxing with a high degree of perfection overseas. I want to make that foray in the near future”

When it comes to observers of boxing’s Little Giants, Kosei Tanaka is not only well-known but highly regarded. A former world champion in three different weight divisions (Strawweight, Junior Flyweight, and Flyweight), he has achieved so much in such a short period as a pro.

And now he is attempting to reach even greater heights as he steps up to challenge his countryman in what has to be considered a domestic super fight.

Can Tanaka follow the path set by his compatriot Inoue and take to the next level to boxing stardom? It all starts with his upcoming showdown against Ioka, a fight that on paper looks to be as good as it gets.

By: Michael Wilson Jr.

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