On the brink of the new year, the ring in Tokyo, Japan, is all set to host a showdown that’s got boxing fans talking, not least because it involves WBA super flyweight champion Kazuto Ioka (30-2-1, 15 KOs) defending his title. The opponent stepping up to the challenge is none other than WBA #8 ranked Venezuelan, Josber Perez (20-3, 18 KOs). This exciting fight will take place at the Ota-city General Gymnasium on New Year’s Eve, a date that has become somewhat of a tradition in the boxing world.
Ioka, who grabbed the WBA title from Joshua Franco earlier this year, was initially geared up for a unification fight with WBC’s Juan Francisco Estrada. Unfortunately, those plans hit a snag, and Perez emerged as the next contender. This switch-up has not dampened Ioka’s spirits though. At a press conference, he expressed his unshaken motivation to dominate in the ring, stating his intent to convincingly triumph over Perez.
Perez having previously taken a shot at the WBA flyweight title against Artem Dalakian – a valiant effort that ended in a points loss –is coming with his eyes firmly on the prize. “I’ve always been ready for any opportunity,” he declared, adding that he aims to take the world belt back to Venezuela.
As 2023 rolls out the red carpet for 2024, this fight promises to be a significant one, not just for the boxers but for the fans too. It’s not just a fight; it’s an event, a spectacle. It’s not every day you get to see a champion like Ioka, with his impressive record, take on a tough challenger like Perez, who is all too eager to prove his talent.
So, as the clock ticks down to this big night, fans around the world are gearing up to see if Ioka will successfully defend his title or if Perez will disrupt the status quo and bring the belt home to Venezuela.