WBA world super-flyweight champion Fernando Martinez looks to defeat Japanese legend Kazuto Ioka and, in turn, tee up a potential unification showdown with Jesse Rodriguez.
The 33-year-old caused a sizable upset to outpoint Ioka, 31-3-1 (16 KOs), a multi-division world champion, last July, with his added tenacity and strength contributing to a wide unanimous decision victory.
And ahead of their rematch this Sunday, the story appears to be no different, as while the clock on Ioka’s decorated career continues to tick, Martinez’s trajectory is only heading in one direction.
The Argentinian has made a name for himself in the lower divisions by adopting a fan-friendly style, but despite his appetite for an all-action dustup, a set of strong fundamentals has ultimately consolidated his status as a versatile, world-level operator.
That is largely because, along with his tremendous gas tank, Martinez, 17-0 (9 KOs), is equally proficient when it comes to cutting off the ring.
Instead of aimlessly marching forward, a more methodical approach will often see ‘Pumita’ apply pressure with his feet while, at the same time, forcing his opponent into a vulnerable position.
That fierce desire to inflict damage is then only enhanced once he plants his feet – with his trap having been expertly set – before unleashing a ferocious onslaught.
At which point, it is terrifically difficult for any fighter to disrupt his rhythm, just as Ioka, even for all his experience, swiftly discovered during their first encounter.
But of course, the 36-year-old’s aging body could only do so much, as with his eighth-round stoppage victory over Kosei Tanaka – perhaps his career-best performance – taking place back in 2020, it is fair to say that he now remains a far cry from his prime.
Another relentless performance from Martinez, therefore, is likely to take centre stage at the Ota-City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan, with Ioka suffering a unanimous decision defeat – in almost identical fashion to their first fight – before sailing off into the sunset.
Only then can Martinez turn his attention towards a more intriguing matchup with WBC champion Rodriguez, 21-0 (14 KOs), who is gearing up to face fellow 115lb titleist Phumelela Cafu on July 19.
Should the pair come through their respective assignments, all roads will then hopefully lead us towards what is, quite simply, one of the most compelling fights that can be made in boxing.
But first, Martinez must remind fans of his aggressive yet calculated style this weekend.
