This Monday was officially announced the July 7 super flyweight unification bout between the World Boxing Association (WBA) champion, Kazuto Ioka, and the owner of the IBF belt, Fernando Martinez, during a press conference held in Tokyo, Japan. 

Both fighters were face to face at the event, which had a large attendance of the press and people linked to the sport in this country. Ioka will look for the unification against the Argentinean at home in a fight that looks pretty even and promises action. The fight will take place at the Kokugigan Arena in the Japanese capital and will pit two of the best fighters in the division against each other. 

Both Ioka and Martinez talked about what they expect from the fight and their desire to keep both belts, they also posed for the cameras and promised a good fight worthy of two world champions. 

Both have already started their preparation camps, which they stopped momentarily to fulfill this promotional event and once ready they will continue working to reach one hundred percent for the fight. 

Ioka, a boxing veteran, has 31 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw and 16 knockouts. Martinez has a 16-win record, is undefeated and has knocked out 9 opponents.

LOS ANGELES (February 19, 2024) – Rising super flyweight star John “Scrappy” Ramirez has patiently waited to learn about his impending world title shot against World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Flyweight World Champion Kazuto Ioka (31-2-1, 16 KOs). On January 13^th, the WBA ordered both camps to negotiate an agreement by February 15th or Ioka vs. Ramirez would go to purse bid.

News recently broke (BoxingScene.com), however, that Ioka has reportedly petitioned the WBA, through Shisei Promotions, for permission to next fight lineal and World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Flyweight World Champion Juan Francisco Estrada (44-3, 28 KOs) in a unification fight, targeted for July 3 in Tokyo, just as the WBA-ordered deadline approched for Ioka to come to terms with his mandatory challenger, Ramirez.

“It would be easy to get frustrated when you don’t get what you want,” Ramirez explained, “but I remind myself to trust the process. I know my team is doing its part and I am, too. It’s all about trusting the process and I’m a strong believer in that. I need to stay patient and focused in the gym, on my vision and my dream.

“I’m an old school fighter. After I win the belt, I want to fight three, four, five times a year defending it before I make the move to 118 (pounds). I’ve also had several conversations with the WBA and its committee, and I believe this fight will be next.

“I’ve been saying all along that I’ll fight him in Japan, I’d fight him on the moon. He’s the champion and I’m willing to fight him anywhere. I’m not getting frustrated and know that I need to stay smart. The beauty of the journey is I don’t have all the answers. But I get it. If I’m Ioka, I wouldn’t want to fight me either. He knows the game and knows I can send the 34-year-old into retirement.”

After enduring a 10-plus month wait to fight in a (WBA) title eliminator, “Scrappy” demolished WBA No. 7-ranked Ronal Batista (15-3, 9 KOs) last October 21st, dramatically flooring him twice to close the DAZN show in the fourth and final round.

“Scrappy” was elevated to the No. 1-ranked, mandatory challenger position for Ioka. A four-division world champion, Ioka was crowned the WBA super flyweight world champion after defeating defending champion Joshua Franco by way of a 12-round unanimous decision (116-112 twice and 115-113) last June in a rematch of their previous draw.

When Ioka vs. Estrada failed to materialize for this past New Year’s Eve in Tokyo, Ioka was allowed to make a voluntary defense against No. 8-rated Josber Perez(20-3), who was stopped in the seventh round. Estrada, incidentally, hasn’t fought since December 3, 2022, when he defeated Roman Gonzalez by a 12-round majority decision in the finale of their trilogy.

Now, Ioka wants to fight Estrada at the expense of “Scrappy” Ramirez. The hope for Ramirez is that the WBA will deny Ioka’s request and order him to fight “Scrappy” within 90-days or be stripped of his world title belt.

“I’ve been saying for a long time, ‘and the new champion’,” Ramirez summed things up. “I actually feel like the champion right now. I just don’t have the belt to prove it, but all that’s left for me is to go get that WBA belt.”

All “Scrappy” needs is the world title shot he’s earned.

INFORMATION:

Facebook: /JohnRamirez

Instagram: @Scrappyboxing

LOS ANGELES, JUNE 1 – Donnie Nietes will add another chapter to his remarkable boxing story if he reclaims the WBO world junior bantamweight title next month.

The former four-weight world champion challenges Kazuto Ioka, in Tokyo, on July 13 for the belt he won in 2018, when defeating the Japanese star.

Nietes would relinquish the crown soon after the fight, allowing Ioka the chance to win the vacant title and almost four years on, the pair renew their rivalry at the Ota-City General Gymnasium in a fascinating clash of 115lbs greats.

The fight will be promoted by SANKYO presents LIFETIME BOXING FIGHTS 9.

Donnie Nietes, said: “This was the fight I wanted the most and I am incredibly eager to win back my world title.

“I have been in training since February for this fight but I really stepped up my levels when I knew it was confirmed.

“This rematch makes me excited and when I vacated the title in 2018 it was always in my mind that I would, one day, win it back. On July 13, that dream will become a reality.”

DONAIRE VS INOUE TO BE ‘MONUMENTAL’

NIETES SIGNS WITH PROBELLUM

Nietes, 40, has won world titles at minimumweight, light flyweight, flyweight and up at 115lbs, where he takes on Ioka for a second time.

Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum, said: “Donnie is a boxing legend and a sure-fire Hall of Fame inductee in the future.

“But his career is far from over, there is plenty left in the tank and when he travels to Japan and rips the world title from Kazuto Ioka on July 13, it will rank as the greatest victory of his remarkable career.

“What a story it would be for Nietes to recapture the title he first won almost four years ago, and to achieve that in a great champion’s backyard, would make it even more special.”

To keep up to date with the latest news on Nietes’ fight with Ioka, sign up to our newsletter?or follow Probellum on?Instagram,?Twitter?and?Facebook.??

?You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter.??

About Probellum???
Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promoter, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.

Following the success of the opening two shows in December 2021, Probellum has already held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai, as well as a packed card in Newcastle.

The world title action then headed to Liverpool last month where Paul Butler won the WBO bantamweight crown.

Probellum’s elite stable of fighters also includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Eimantas Stanionis, Donnie Nietes and Dina Thorslund.

But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack, Shabaz Masoud and Spencer Wilcox among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.

Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).????

 TOKYO (Dec. 3, 2021) — The new year’s eve world title unification battle between junior bantamweight champions Jerwin Ancajas and Kazuto Ioka has been postponed.  Promoted by Shisei Boxing Gym, Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, TGB Promotions, and Knucklehead Boxing Promotions, Ancajas (33-1-2, 22 KOs), from Panabo City, Philippines vs. Ioka (27-2, 15 KOs), from Tokyo, had the makings of the Fight of the Year, but because of the global spread of the new Omicron variant of Covid-19, and Japan’s ban against foreign travel to its country, that year will have to be 2022.  The New Year’s Eve test to be the best of the 115-pound division — between IBF champion Ancajas and WBO champion Ioka — was scheduled to take place Friday, Dec. 31, at Tokyo’s Ota-City General Gymnasium.    

            “Team Ancajas was looking forward to this historic fight against Ioka but understands there are bigger concerns than boxing in Japan and the world with the situation caused by the emergence of the latest variant,” said Sean Gibbons, president of MP Promotions.  “We remain committed to making this fight happen as soon as possible in Japan.”

 TOKYO, JAPAN (November 24, 2021) – Jerwin Ancajas (33-1-2, 22 KOs), from Panabo City, Philippines, and Kazuto Ioka (27-2, 15 KOs), from Tokyo, Japan, will put up their dukes and their respective IBF and WBO junior bantamweight world titles, when they collide in a world title unification battle on Saturday, December 31, at the Ota-City General Gymnasium in Tokyo.  Promoted by Shisei Boxing Gym, Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, TGB Promotions, and Knucklehead Boxing Promotions, Ancajas vs. Ioka – the New Year’s Eve test to be the best of the 115-pound division — will be the latest chapter in the storied Philippines-Japan boxing rivalry.    

           The two warriors boast a combined record of 60-3-2 (37 KOs) – a sterling winning percentage of 92% with victory by knockout ratio of 62%.

           This will be the 10^th title defense for Ancajas, who has reigned as IBF junior bantamweight champion since 2016.  The ultimate road warrior, fighting in his opponents’ backyard is nothing new for Ancajas who has made title defenses in Macau, Brisbane, Belfast, Mexico, the Philippines, and throughout the U.S.  He will have his hands full against Ioka, a four-division world champion who has held world titles in minimum weight, junior flyweight, flyweight, and junior bantamweight divisions dating back to 2011.     

“This is my Dream Fight!  I have waited six years for a signature fight to prove to everyone in boxing that I am one of the best 115 pounders in the world,” Ancajas said.  “I have been to Japan, sparring in the past, and love the people of Japan and the boxing fans are some of the best in the world.  They respect all fighters and root for the best man to win.”

“I have been working with Jerwin since he was ten years old. I am very excited that finally the fight is happening,” said Joven Jimenez, Ancajas’ manager and trainer.  “My goal, since Jerwin won the IBF World title in 2016, was to get him a major title unification fight.  We have worked so hard for this moment, and we will not be denied.”

“We are very happy that Jerwin Ancajas, one of our first world champions, is getting this tremendous opportunity to unify his IBF title with the WBO title,” said Sean Gibbons, president of MP Promotions.  “Jerwin has waited a long time for this type of fight and come December 31, he will ring in the new year as the NEW IBF and WBO Junior Bantamweight World Champion!” 

By Bart Barry-

New Year’s Eve, Japan Standard Time, Japanese super flyweight Kazuto Ioka defended his title by eight-round stoppage over undefeated Japanese super flyweight Kosei Tanaka in a fight televised by YouTube hours after it finished, or some other way more-committed viewers discovered in realtime.  It was an excellent match and a wonderful showing by Ioka.

There’s something prickly insular about aficionados who fixate on lower weightclasses, but that doesn’t make them wrong.  If heavyweight-only casuals are boxing’s beer-drunk frat boys, flyweight fixators ain’t the kids who got picked first for kickball.  They like knowing things most fans don’t, they’re often smug, they correct your pronunciation, and for being so esoteric they must watch their heroes at times so symmetrically middle-of-the-night they can’t decide whether to awake or remain awake.  This last halfdecade, though, they’ve been rewarded more often than their cool peers.

This habit continued New Year’s Eve in Japan and sometime between Wednesday and Sunday in the U.S.  Truthfully the best super flyweight prizefighters currently in practice are Western Hemisphereans, but enough superb 115-pound fighting happens in Asia to be disproportionate.  One of the world’s three best fighters at any weight – quite probably the world’s single best fighter if not most accomplished – is a 118-pound guy from Japan.

Unlike others who travel to these shores for larger paychecks Asian fighters bring their power and honor with them.  Many years ago, when Golden Boy Promotions was believed an innovator of sorts, there was an event called World Cup of Boxing that pitted Mexico against Thailand in a casino outside Tucson, Ariz.  Mexico won all but one of the many title fights, as I recall, but the Thai fighters acquitted themselves with such professionalism and toughness, the wholly Mexican crowd applauded them often and loudly.  These were the previous generation of guys who survived a culture that made Srisaket Sor Rungvisai possible.

Sor Rungvisai deserves mention because of his place in the 112-pound ratings and what he accomplished as a virtual unknown in a 2017 match with the world’s best prizefighter at the time, and because his position in the ratings, second, between Gallo Estrada and the aforementioned Chocolatito Gonzalez, lends a bit of sobriety to this treatment of Ioka’s accomplishment.

Ioka hasn’t been in a hurry to match himself against any of the guys atop his division, even while defending the WBO’s title a few times.  His name doesn’t come up much.  That’s unfortunate because what he showed against Tanaka was proper compelling.

Whatever the scale said about it, Tanaka appeared the larger man in frame and physicality, Ioka an old, soft guy with high blood pressure.  Were it not for his composure Ioka might’ve looked overmatched from the opening bell.  This is where the difference between super flyweights and super heavyweights, and the divisions’ diverse super fans, pops up.

You don’t have to know very much at all about boxing to know in 30 seconds who’s going to win most heavyweight fights.  The size disparities are often gross, the skill disparities nearly so, and the 1-2s unfurl slowly enough for even the dullest of viewers to ascertain what’s happening.  Things are quite different at lower weightclasses.  The size disparity is usually negligible, and to get on any stage grander than TikTok you must be exceptional.

Back to Ioka’s composure.  Tanaka looked to be moving Ioka with a number of his punches early.  But Ioka undid the larger man like the master Juan Manuel Marquez did to Juan Diaz in Houston and Michael Katsidis in Las Vegas.  Ioka bet on straighter punches.  He fought with a certain obliviousness of whatever Tanaka was doing.  Is he hitting me with straight punches?  No?  Then I’ll win.

There was some irony, then, in it being an Ioka left hook that ruined Tanaka’s night.  Tanaka went down hard and never got back to the aggressiveness he needed if he were to unsettle Ioka – which he weren’t.  If Ioka wasn’t quite the finisher Marquez was it’s because nobody is.  Ioka did just fine.  

If the stoppage were a touch early, especially by American standards, let it be.  I don’t know enough about Japanese fight culture to do more than suspect this, but here it is: The stewardship referee Michiaki Someya took of Kosei Tanaka’s wellbeing is a major reason Japanese fighters comport themselves bravely as they do.  The referee, like any good regulator, is a braking mechanism, and until you install brakes on a racecar you daren’t shift it out first gear.  Too, there’s a homogeneity to Japanese culture, very different from America’s, that allowed all three men in the Ota-City General Gymnasium to see themselves as part of the same ecosystem and behave accordingly.  Both fighters were free to exert hard as possible, knowing their contest would be well and honorably regulated.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

CHIBA CITY, Chiba, Japan (June 18, 2019) – History was made today in Japan as local favorite Kazuto Ioka, (24-2, 14 KOs) stopped his Filipino challenger, “Mighty” Aston Palicte, (25-3-1, 21 KOs) midway through the 10th round to capture the vacant World Boxing Organization’s (WBO) junior bantamweight title, and become the first Japanese boxer to be world champion in four different weight classes.

Ioka vs. Palicte, co-promoted by RJJ Boxing and Reason Taki Promotions, was the first world championship boxing match streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS®.

Official Result below:

WBO WORLD JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Kazuto Ioka (24-2, 14 KOs), Tokyo, Japan
WTKO10 (1:46)
Aston Palicte (25-3-1, 21 KOs), Bago City, Negros Occidental, Phillipines
(Ioka won the vacant WBO junior bantamweight title)

INFORMATION:
Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufc.tv/page/fightpass
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre,
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre
Facebook: /KeithVeltre, /UFCFightPass

LAS VEGAS (June 18, 2019) – The official weigh in was held today for tomorrow’s (Wednesday, June 19) first world championship boxing match ever streamed live on UFC Fight Pass®, between the World Boxing Organization’s (WBO) top two-ranked junior bantamweight contenders, “Mighty” Aston Palicte and Kazuto Ioka, who will square off for the vacant WBO World title.

Palicte and Ioka both weigh in at the 115-pound maximum.

Palicte’s promoter, Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions, owns the worldwide live streaming rights outside of Japan. Palicte vs. Ioka, co-promoted by RJJ Boxing and Reason Taki Promotions, will be streamed live, starting at 8 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. PT, from Makuhari Messe in Chiba City, Chiba, Japan.

WBO No. 1-ranked contender Palicte (25-2-1, 21 KOs), fighting out of the Philippines, takes on four-time three-division world champion Ioka (23-2, 13 KOs), who will be fighting at home, in the 12-round main event.

The 28-year-old Palicte (pictured above) knocked out previously unbeaten Jose “Chiquiro” Martinez, this past January 31st in the second round of their WBO title eliminator. Palicte become the mandatory challenger for then WBO champion and fellow Filipino, Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, who subsequently relinquished his title belt rather than accept a Palicte rematch to pursue more lucrative fights than a rematch with his countryman.

Nietes and Palicte had fought to a controversial 12-round draw last September for the then vacant WBO junior bantamweight world title. Nietes, ironically, captured the title last December 31st in Macao, China, winning a controversial 12-round split decision over Ioka.

The No. 2-rated Ioka, 30, has a decisive experience advantage over the younger, stronger Palicte. He has a 13-2 (3 KOs) record in world title fights and Ioka is on a mission to become the first Japanese boxer to be world champion in four different divisions. The only other members of this elite Nippon club are Hozumi Hagegawa, Koki Kameda, Akira Yaegashi and Naoko Fuijioka, the lone female in the group.

“I’m very appreciative of this opportunity to fight or the WBO belt again,” Ioka said from training camp. “Japan has a long history of boxing and for me, personally, it (4-division world champion) would be my highest goal to reach.

“Aston Palicte is a very good, tough fighter. I don’t really see any weaknesses, but I think his strength is his ability to be physical and fight aggressively.”

A triumph over Ioka will allow Palicte to join an elite club of Filipino world boxing champions, past and present, such as Nietes, Manny Pacquiao, Pancho Villa, Flash Elorde, and Nonito Donaire.

INFORMATION:
Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufc.tv/page/fightpass
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @AstonPalicte
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @astonmightypalicte
Facebook: /KeithVeltre, /UFCFightPass

LAS VEGAS (May 30, 2019) – World Boxing Organization (WBO) No. 1-ranked contender
“Mighty” Aston Palicte (25-2-1, 21 KOs)is currently training in Baguio, Philippines, for his June 19th showdown with three-division world champion Kazuto Ioka (23-2, 13 KOs) for the vacant WBO Junior Bantamweight World Championship, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City, Chiba, Japan.

UFC Fight Pass® has the worldwide live streaming rights outside of Japan. Palicte vs. Ioka will be the first world boxing championship streamed live on FIGHT PASS, which recently finalized an agreement with Palicte’s promoter, Roy Jones, Jr. Boxing Promotions (RJJ Boxing), to live- stream up to 72 professional boxing events on FIGHT PASS through 2021.

Palicte vs. Ioka is co-promoted by RJJ Boxing and Reason Taki Promotions.

“Everything is in place to have the first World Title fight ever shown on UFC FIGHT PASS,” RJJ Boxing CEO/Co-Founder Keith Veltre said. “Promoting the first World Title fight on the UFC platform is big and I promise fireworks will be in full force with Palicte vs Ioka.”

“Ioka is a very solid boxer who has good head and foot movements,” noted living legend Roy Jones, Jr., co-founder of RJJ Boxing. “He also counter-punches well. So, Aston will have to be on his ‘A’ game. He will have the edge in power, but he can’t allow Ioka to make him punch himself out.”

The first half of Palicte’s training camp for the Ioka fight was held in Manila. “Camp has been good,” Palicte reported. “I got in some sessions with my teammate, Kristian Hernandez, and American Ernel Fontanilla, in Manila. We’re training in Baguio for several reasons: focus, high altitude and sparring with Philippine National Team members.”

The 28-year-old Palicte (pictured to the left) knocked out his previously unbeaten Puerto Rican opponent, Jose “Chiquiro” Martinez, this past January 31st in the second round of their WBO title eliminator. Palicte become the mandatory challenger for the then WBO champion and fellow Filipino, Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, who subsequently relinquished his title belt rather than accept a Palicte rematch to pursue more lucrative fights than a rematch with his countryman.

Nietes and Palicte had fought to a controversial 12-round draw last September for the then vacant WBO junior bantamweight world title. Nietes, ironically, captured the title last December 31st in Macao, China, winning a controversial 12-round split decision.

“Fighting Nietes for the world title helped a lot,” Palicte added. “It taught me how to be composed and focused under pressure.”

The No. 2-rated Ioka, 30, is a four-time, three-division world champion having already captured the World Boxing Association (WBA) flyweight, WBA light flyweight, and WBA/World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight championships.

His only two losses as a professional, both by way of 12-round split decisions, have been in world title fights to Nietes and Amnat Ruenroeng for the International (IBF) flyweight title in 2014.

Ioka, who has a 13-2 (3 KOs) record in world title fights, is on a mission to become the first Japanese boxer to be world champion in four different divisions. The only other members of this elite Nippon club are Hozumi Hagegawa, Koki Kameda, Akira Yaegashi and Naoko Fuijioka, the lone female in the group.

“Ioka is definitely a top contender and I will not look past that,” Palicte remarked. “He’s going to give it his all just as I will. We’ll stick with our game plan and everything else about his past is just background for us.”

A victory over Ioka will allow Palicte to join Filipino world boxing champions, past and present, such as Nietes, Manny Pacquiao, Pancho Villa, Flash Elorde, and Nonito Donaire, among others.

Palicte has received tips and words of encouragement from some of his world champion Filipino boxers and he isn’t concerned about fighting Ioka in Japan. “The common words everyone has given me is to put in the work,” Palicte concluded, “because training camp determines the outcome of every fight performance.

“Ideally, of course, we’d rather fight in the states, but we also have nothing but the utmost respect for Japan and its culture. We are all looking forward to the experience.”

INFORMATION:
Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufc.tv/page/fightpass
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @AstonPalicte
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @astonmightypalicte
Facebook: /KeithVeltre, /UFCFightPass

LAS VEGAS (April 16, 2019) — World Boxing Organization (WBO) No. 1-ranked contender “Mighty” Aston Palicte (25-2-1, 21 KOs)will face three-division world champion Kazuto Ioka (23-2, 13 KOs)for the vacant WBO Junior Bantamweight World Championship, June 19 at Osaka Orefectural Gym in Osaka, Japan.

UFC Fight Pass® has the worldwide live streaming rights outside of Japan. Palicte vs. Ioka will be is the first world boxing championship on FIGHT PASS, under a new agreement between Palicte’s promoter, RJJ Boxing, and FIGHT PASS, to live stream up to 72 professional boxing events through 2021.

The Palicte vs. Ioka deal was negotiated and finalized by RJJ Boxing CEO/Co-Founder Keith Veltre and Taku Nagashima, the international manager of Ioka, on behalf of TLAROCK Entertainment in Japan.

After Palicte, 28, knocked out his previously unbeaten Puerto Rican opponent Jose “Chiquiro” Martinez this past January 31st in the second round of their WBO title eliminator, the WBO ordered negotiations to begin for a rematch between reigning WBO junior bantamweight champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes and Palicte, the No. 1-ranked, mandatory challenger. Nietes, however, relinquished his title belt rather than accept a rematch against his fellow Filipino fighter in order to pursue other fights.

Nietes and Palicte fought to a controversial 12-round draw last September for the then vacant WBO junior bantamweight world title. Nietes eventually captured the crown last December 31 in Macao, China, when he won a 12-round split decision versus, ironically, Ioka.

“I’d first like to thank my promoters (Keith Veltre & Roy Jones, Jr.) and manager (Jason Soong) for making this fight happen,” Palicte commented. “I’m very excited for this second opportunity to fight for a world title. I and the whole team learned a lot from the last draw and made adjustments, which, I think, were very effective. Since a rematch with Nietes will probably never take place, going against Ioka, who lost to him via a split decision, is probably the closest thing to redeeming myself after that draw. We’ve already planned out our training camp, which includes altitude training in Baguio (where Manny Pacquiao (pictured to left running with Palicte) also trained before). More than anything, I’m very excited to get into the ring again to hopefully deliver to my RJJ Boxing family its first world title.”

The 30-year-old Ioka, currently ranked No. 2 by the WBO, is a former World Boxing Association (WBA) flyweight, WBA light flyweight, and WBA/World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight world champion. His only two losses as a professional, both by way of 12-round split decisions, have been in world title fights to Nietes and Amnat Ruenroeng, in 2014, for the International (IBF) flyweight title.

“I want to thank the WBO for working with us to make this fight happen,” Veltresaid. “The WBO did everything possible to make this deal move forward. I want to thank Team Ioka for working with Roy Jones Jr Promotions, in addition to being professional and doing everything in their power to accommodate us. This is a great example of everyone giving in a little bit to make a great fight happen. Roy and I are extremely happy that we will be able to bring the first ever major World Title Fight to UFC Fight Pass and we are looking forward to seeing Aston Palicte becoming the World Champion.”

Palicte is the younger, stronger fighter in this title fight match-up, however, Iota has a clear advantage in terms of experience with a 14-2 (9 KOs) world title fight record, as well as 6-2 (3 KOs) versus present and/or past world champions, compared to Palicte’s 0-0-1 mark in both of these categories.

Not only will a victory over Ioka make him the first world champion for his promoter, RJJ Boxing, Palicte will also join Pacquaio and Nietes, as well as Pancho Villa, Flash Elorde, and Nonito Donaire, among others, in an elite club of Filipino world boxing champion.

Ioka will join fellow Japanese fighters such as flyweight Kosei Tanaka and junior flyweights Hirota Kyoguchi and Ken Shiro as reigning world champions with a triumph over Palicte.

The Ring magazine’s independent world ratings lists Ioka and Palicte, respectively, at No. 4 and No. 8.

INFORMATION:
Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @astonpalicte
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre
Facebook: /RJJBoxing, /KeithVeltre, /UFCFightPass

Donnie Nietes will take on Kazuto Ioka on December 31st for a vacant super flyweight title in Macau, China, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Los Angeles, CA (September 5, 2018) SUPERFLY 3 rivals three-time world champion Kazuto Ioka, (22-1-0, 13 KO’s), of Osaka, Japan and WBC Super Flyweight Silver Champion McWilliams Arroyo, (17-3-0, 14 KO’s), of Fajardo, Puerto Rico, worked out for the Southern California media on Wednesday in anticipation of their highly anticipated showdown this Saturday, September 8 at the ‘Fabulous Forum’ and televised on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. Fighting in a scheduled 10-round title bout, their clash will open the televised triple-header.

Also training in front of the media were female fighters ‘Bang Bang Lulu’ Louisa Hawton, (8-1-0, 4 KO’s) of Perth, Australia and Brenda Flores, (12-4-1, 2 KO’s), of Tijuana, Mexico who will clash in a ten-round bout for the Interim World Boxing Council Atomweight World Title which will be featured on the undercard international live stream.

Kazuto Ioka

“I attended Superfly 2 while I was on vacation after I retired. While watching each of the three top fights, I know I could compete and be victorious against any of the fighters in the series that night. I loved the atmosphere at the Forum and wanted very much to fight on Superfly 3. I wanted another challenge like this.”

“I have a lot of respect for Arroyo but I have prepared very well in Las Vegas with Ismael Salas to be victorious.”

“It would mean a great deal to me if I can become the first four-time world champion from Japan but first I have to conquer Arroyo.”

McWIlliams Arroyo

“There’s a lot of hype around Ioka but I’m the best fighter he’s faced. I had a great win against Carlos Cuadras, I was overlooked then and feel that I’m being overlooking now. None of that will matter on Saturday night when I’ll be victorious and ready to move on to bigger fights.”

Louisa Hawton

“This is my chance at redemption and at the same venue, the Forum. I loved fighting there in February and can’t wait to put on a show on Saturday night and win the title in front of the great fans.”

Brenda Flores

“I need to dictate the pace and use my strategy to be victorious. I’ve known Louisa for a long time and I know how to beat her. We work so hard to get in the ring and this is a serious business but most importantly I need to win.”

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Emanating from the “Fabulous” Forum in Los Angeles on Saturday, September 8 and televised on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT, SUPERFLY 3 is headlined by a 12-round WBC Super Flyweight Final Elimination Bout between former world champion JUAN FRANCISCO ‘El Gallo’ ESTRADA, (36-3-0, 25 KO’s), of Sonora, Mexico and two-time world title challenger FELIPE ‘Gallito’ ORUCUTA, (36-4-0, 30 KO’s), of Nicolas Romero, Mexico. Estrada vs. Orucuta is promoted in association with Zanfer Promotions.

Co-featured over 12-rounds for the vacant WBO Super Flyweight World Title, three-division world champion DONNIE ‘The Snake’ NIETES, (41-1-4, 23 KO’s), of Bacolod City, Philippines, moves up one division to face rival countryman and #2 world ranked challenger ‘Mighty’ ASTON PALICTE, (24-2-0, 20 KO’s) of Bago City, Philippines.

Opening the telecast, three-division world champion KAZUTO IOKA, (22-1-0, 13 KO’s), of Osaka, Japan, battles WBC Super Flyweight Silver Champion MCWILLIAMS ARROYO, (17-3-0, 14 KO’s), of Fajardo, Puerto Rico in a 10-round title bout.

Featured on the outstanding live-streamed undercard, ‘Bang Bang Lulu’ LOUISA HAWTON, (8-1-0, 4 KO’s) of Perth, Australia will face BRENDA FLORES, (12-4-1, 2KO’s) of Tijuana, Mexico for the Interim World Boxing Council Women’s Atomweight World Title.

Advance tickets for SUPERFLY 3, priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25 can be purchased HERE. The Forum is located at 3900 W. Manchester Blvd, Inglewood CA 90305. Doors on the night of the event will open at 4:00 p.m.

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Los Angeles, CA (July 26, 2018) Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions has announced details of the highly anticipated return of the widely acclaimed SUPERFLY series set for Saturday, September 8 at the ‘Fabulous’ Forum in Los Angeles, CA. The triple-header will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

#SUPERFLY3 will be headlined by a 12 -round super flyweight clash between former world champion JUAN FRANCISCO ‘El Gallo’ ESTRADA, (36-3-0, 25 KO’s), of Sonora, Mexico and two-time world title challenger FELIPE ‘Galito’ ORUCUTA, (36-4-0, 30 KO’s), of Nicolas Romero, Mexico.

Co-featured over 12-rounds for the vacant WBO Super Flyweight World Title, four-time world champion DONNIE ‘The Snake’ NIETES, (41-1-4, 23 KO’s), of Bacolod City, Philippines, moves up one division to challenge countryman ‘Mighty’ ASTON PALICTE, (24-2-0, 20 KO’s) of Bago City, Philippines.

Opening the telecast, three-division world champion KAZUTO IOKA, (22-1-0, 13 KO’s), of Osaka, Japan, battles two-time world title challenger MCWILLIAMS ARROYO, (17-3-0, 14 KO’s), of Fajardo, Puerto Rico in a ten-round super flyweight bout.

Advance tickets for SUPERFLY 3, priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25 will go On-Sale This Friday at 10:00 a.m. PT and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster.com, 1-800-745-3000) and the Forum Box Office. The Forum is located at 3900 W. Manchester Blvd, Inglewood CA 90305. Doors on the night of the event will open at 4:00 p.m. PT.

“We’re very excited to make this announcement today for SUPERFLY 3”, said Loeffler. “Our first two Superfly cards were among the most well received international boxing events over the last year.”

“Since our last SUPERFLY card in February, boxing fans and media have continuously asked me when the next card is taking place. The fights that have been presented in this series have provided non-stop action and an unparalleled in-arena atmosphere for boxing.”

“Juan Francisco Estrada and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai battled in one of the best fights this year in February with both fighters proving to be two of the most valiant warriors in boxing. Against the hard-hitting Orucuata, Estrada will be facing a determined challenger seeking his own path to a world title.”

“Fans were also treated to a sensational performance in February by Donnie Nietes winning his third world title and facing his rival countryman Aston Palicte at SUPERFLY 3 will provide fireworks from the opening bell.”

“Having three-division world champion Kazuto Ioka of Japan come out of retirement to face Puerto Rico’s McWilliams Arroyo further validates how important the SUPERFLY brand is to these outstanding fighters.”

“The stylistic matchups of these three announced fights will provide the type of non-stop action the SUPERFLY events have become known for and the ‘gold standard’ which fans have become accustomed to.”

“I am very excited to return for a third SUPERFLY event card and look forward to giving the fans another thrilling fight,” said Estrada. “I need to win so I can get a second shot at the WBC Super Flyweight World Title and a rematch against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai. I am training in the mountains of Mexico City to be ready for the fight on September 8.”

“Juan Francisco Estrada is a great boxer and one of the best fighters from Mexico. It’s an honor to fight him and I will be well prepared for victory at SUPERFLY 3 on September 8,” said Orucuta.

Long a favorite among Mexican boxing fans, the 28-year-old Juan Francisco Estrada has built a reputation for facing the very best in the flyweight and super flyweight divisions. Fighting on February 24, 2018 at SUPERFLY 2, Estrada battled over 12-rounds in a fearless clash against defending WBC Super Flyweight World Champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai that had the huge crowd at the Forum on their feet cheering loudly for each fighter.

This will be Estrada’s third straight fight at a SUPERFLY event, having defeated former world champion Carlos Cuadras on September 9, 2017 in an epic battle at the series debut in Carson, CA.

Over the course of his illustrious 10-year career, Estrada has fought many other world champions and top contenders including Roman Gonzalez, Hernan Marquez, Giovanni Segura, Richie Mepranum and Milan Melindo.

Estrada won the WBO and WBA Flyweight World Titles on April 6, 2013 by defeating then world champion Brian Viloria, making five defenses before moving up to the super flyweight division.

The 32-year-old Felipe Orucuta has twice challenged for the WBO Super Flyweight World Title, losing in very close decisions to Omar Narvaez in Argentina. On May 25, 2013 in Buenos Aires, Orucuta was on the short end of a 12-round split decision. Fourteen months later, Orucuta returned to Argentina, this time losing a 12-round majority decision to Narvaez in Villa Maria, Argentina.

Currently the heavy handed Orucuta is on a five-bout winning streak; all by knockout including the fourth-round stoppage of Ricardo Roman on May 26, 2018 in Mexico City.

Among the other notable names on Orucuta’s winning side of the ledger are Roberto Castaneda, Fernando Lumacad, Julio David Roque Ler and Enrique Bernache.

The fight against Estrada will be Orucuta’s first in the United States since July 2008.

Fighting in the Los Angeles for the third time in recent years, Donnie Nietes thrilled the local Filipino fans with a seventh-round knockout over Juan Carlos Reveco at SUPERFLY 2 to earn the IBF Flyweight World Title, his tenth straight victory. Incredibly, Nietes has not suffered a loss since September 2004.

One of the Philippines most popular fighters over the last fifteen years, among the victories on Nietes’ ledger are wins over Edgar Sosa, Raul Garcia, Ramon Garcia Hirales, Manuel Vargas, Juan Alejo and Gilberto Parra.

The 27-year-old Aston Palicte will be fighting for the third time in the United States. In his U.S. debut, he won a 10-round decision over then undefeated Oscar Cantu on December 17, 2016 in Las Vegas. Following that up on December 8, 2017, the all-action Palicte knocked out Jose Alfredo Rodriguez in the fifth stanza in Round Rock, Texas.

The boxing pride of Osaka, Japan, Kazuto Ioka retired in November 2017 after making five defenses of his WBA Flyweight World Title earned by defeating then champion Juan Carlos Reveco on April 22, 2015.

Over the course of his nine-year multiple title reign, Ioka defeated world champions and top-rated contenders including Amnat Ruenroeng, Akira Yaegashi, Felix Alvarado, Ekkawit Songnui, Yutthana Kaensa and Nare Yianleang.

With all of his previous bouts coming in Japan, Ioka will be making his long-awaited United States debut at SUPERFLY 3.

A representative of his native Puerto Rico in the 2008 Olympics, the 32-year-old McWIlliams Arroyo made his Los Angeles debut at the Forum and on HBO by challenging then WBC Flyweight World Champion Roman Gonzalez on April 23, 2016. Although losing a 12-round decision, Arroyo would fight valiantly against the #1 Pound-for-Pound legend, earning the respect from the sold-out crowd.

Most recently Arroyo challenged former super flyweight world champion Carlos Cuadras at SUPERFLY 2, defeating the popular Mexican over ten rounds in an outstanding battle at the Forum that had the huge crowd cheering throughout.

Additional information on this tremendous night of world class professional boxing will be announced shortly.

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Juan Francisco Estrasa, Donnie Nietes and Kazuto Ioka will appear on the Superfly 3 card on Saturday, September 8th at The Forum in Inglewood, California, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Ioka is a legend in Japan, a three-division world champion, so he would be a great addition to the show,” 360 Promotions Tom Loeffler said.

Another bout headed for the card is the Donnie Nietes’ opportunity to win a world title in a fourth weight division when he fights Filipino countryman Aston Palicte for a vacant 115-pound belt.

“That’s definitely one of the fights we want to have on Superfly 3,” Loeffler said. “Donnie had a great win on Superfly 2 so it makes sense to bring him back.”

“We have started negotiations for Donnie to be part of Superfly 3,” Aldeguer told ESPN. “We are hoping to finalize the deal with Tom and HBO for Sept 8 soonest.”