WBO Flyweight Champion Japanese Kazuto Ioka (28-2, 15 KOs) defended his title by beating compatriot Ryoji Fukunagu (15-5, 14 KOs) at the main event of the Tokyo Night of Boxing.
Fukunaga replaces IBF champion Filipino Jervin Ancahasa, who was unable to fly to Japan due to new covid restrictions. At the same time, Fukunaga showed himself in a duel with Ioka from a good side.
The fitness advantage and right-handed stance, combined with effective and daring boxing, put Fukunaga off to a good start. The champion missed a lot of punches and was not very active, at times it even seemed that this year the Japanese viewers would witness another sensation.
However, gradually Ioka began to come to the fore, more and more often delivering stronger and more accurate punches. His left side to the head and right straight, as well as punches to the body were especially effective. The second half of the fight belonged to the champion, although the challenger nevertheless struck a lot of punches and remained in the game until the end.
Ultimately, the judges counted 115-113, 116-112 and 118-110 - all in Yoki's favor. The last of the referee cards mentioned is undoubtedly unfair, but the general verdict can be considered correct.
