Joshua Franco puts his WBA junior bantamweight title on the line in a rematch with former WBO super flyweight champ Kazuto Ioka in a 12-round fight scheduled for June 24 in Tokyo. The two battled in a unification bout back in December with the fight ending in a majority draw with both fighters retaining their strap. In pursuing the rematch, Ioka vacated his belt after being ordered to make a mandatory title defense against Junto Nakatani.
In the first fight last New Year’s eve, Franco was ahead on one scorecard with two other judges calling it a draw. As a result, Franco opened as a slight -135 favorite as he returns to the home of Ioka one more time. A legend in his native land, Ioka is the first Japanese male fighter to be a four-weight world champion wasting no time vacating his WBO belt to finalize a rematch. Ioka hit the board as a +105 dog, and since it happened last time for these guys backing a draw is listed at +1600. Franco has the advantage of youth on his side being nearly seven years younger than his opponent.
When:Saturday, June 24, 2023
Where:Ota City General Gymnasium, Ota, Tokyo, Japan
Joshua Franco vs. Kazuto Ioka Betting Odds
Joshua Franco -135
Kazuto Ioka +105
The 12-round bout for the WBA junior bantamweight title between champ Joshua Franco ( 18-1-3, 8 knockouts ) and Kazuto Ioka ( 29-2-1, 13 knockouts ) will be held at Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan, on Saturday, June 24, 2023. The first bout was not televised in the U.S. and as of this writing no agreement had been reached to air the festivities.
Joshua Franco vs. Kazuto Ioka Preview
I guess Ioka wants some closure, which is why he vacated his title for a chance at a rematch. And getting the fight in his home country, just like the first one, has to be an added bonus. Ioka didn’t take advantage back in December but he should be better prepared this time around. It’s also doubtful he’ll be rusty with his previous five fights coming in a span of nearly two and a half years.
Ioka ascended the ranks quickly winning the Japanese light flyweight title in his sixth professional fight and claiming the WBC mini flyweight title in his next bout. He was the unified WBA and WBC mini flyweight champ until a TKO win over Jose Alfredo Rodriguez on New Year’s eve 2012 got him the WBA (regular) light flyweight belt, which he held for two years. Ioka won his first 14 fights before losing for the first time by split decision to Amnat Ruenroeng in 2014. He reeled off nine more victories before another split decision loss in 2018 to Donnie Nietes.
Earning the WBO super flyweight strap four years ago with a TKO of Aston Palicte, Ioka successfully defended the title six times before vacating the title in order to secure this rematch. Many felt Ioka was fortunate to escape the first fight with draw. He was outworked by Franco, though he did land some punches and showed more spirit in the later rounds. While the outcome wasn’t necessarily a setback against a quality opponent, Ioka is now in his mid-30s and it could be a sign that Father Time is paying a visit.
For Franco, ESPN’s No. 4 ranked junior bantamweight, the outcome of the first bout was bittersweet. He was the busier fighter throwing and landing more punches while also being the aggressor. He might feel as though the decision was flawed. However, it was a good match for him against a quality opponent
And going against the same fighter in consecutive bouts is nothing new for Franco. He squared off with Andrew Maloney three times before the first meeting getting a pair of unanimous decision wins with the third ruled a NC. Franco also went toe-to-toe with Oscar Negrete in three successive bouts.
Bet Joshua Franco vs. Kazuto Ioka
The odds are close, the measurements are close and the two fought to a draw in the first meeting. The possibility of another hard-fought battle is out there. Neither fighter is known as a KO specialist meaning there’s a good chance this goes to the judges. The more experienced fighter, Ioka will take a few things from the first get together applying them in what will be a decision victory.
Boxing Odds Pick: Kazuto Ioka +105 / Decision
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