A mouth-watering unification between super-flyweight world champions Jesse Rodriguez and Fernando Martinez has seemingly been put on hold.
Both WBC titlist Rodriguez, 21-0 (14 KOs), and his promoter, Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn, have previously expressed their interest in securing the potential barnburner.
However, while speaking with Japanese media at a press conference earlier today, former WBA champion Kazuto Ioka confirmed that he will, in fact, enter a rematch with Martinez, 17-0 (9 KOs).
The pair squared off in a compelling encounter that saw Fernandez, who established himself as the more aggressive combatant, emerge with a unanimous decision victory last July.
Shortly after his career-best win, though, the fearsome Argentinian was stripped of his IBF strap for not fulfilling his mandatory obligation.
Instead, his WBA title was set to be on the line for a scheduled rematch with Ioka, 31-3-1 (16 KOs), last December, which was then scuppered after Fernandez pulled out with an illness.
But now, with the event appearing on Boxrec, it would seem that their second encounter will be staged at the Ota-City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan, on May 11.
With Japanese titan Ioka enjoying a home advantage once again, this represents a golden opportunity for him to reclaim his black and gold belt.
Then again, at the age of 36, it would more than likely take a tremendous effort for him to reverse what was considered a sizable upset last year.
As for Rodriguez, the announcement that ‘Puma’ will no longer be available for their mooted showdown must come as disappointing news to say the least.
