Ioka and Martinez make weight for title unification bout
Tomorrow in Tokyo we’ll get a highly anticipated Flyweight showdown, as WBA "super" champion Kazuto Ioka (31-2-1, 16) [井岡一翔] battles IBF champion Fernando Daniel Martinez (16-0, 9) in a great looking unification bout. Today, ahead of that bout, the two men took part in their weigh-in for the bout, and also went through a final press conference.
At the weigh-in Ioka was the lighter man, coming in comfortably under the limit at 114.64lb, whilst Martinez was slightly heavier, coming in at 114.86 lb. Both under the limit, and both comfortable. Both men also looked in great condition, making it very clear both had had sensational preparation for this bout, despite Martinez in particular having had some issue with travel.
After the men made weight they took part in a lengthy face off, with Ioka looking serious throughout and Martinez looking more relaxed, and slightly excited.
Ioka told the press "Every time, I think only about getting into the best condition I've ever been in, and I get a lot of support. I feel like I'm in good shape, and I'm in the best condition I've ever been in. I'm ready to fight,". He also explained that his experience coming into this bout will be key, and stated "The experience I gained in world fights up until now is a great asset in my boxing career. Of course, I will make use of that experience, but I think future challenges are more important than past experiences,"
As for Martinez, he was in a Messi T-shirt and headband and explained "I'm wearing this to symbolize the honor of Lionel Messi, who represents Argentina." As for the bout he went on to say "I've been training very hard. I'm grateful to my team for passing the weigh-in. Tomorrow, the two champions will have a good match. Tomorrow will be a war." and added "It will be a historic match, where we will fight with the hopes of our countries on our backs. I want to leave the victory in God's hands. I will make my dreams come true."
Notably at the rules meeting it was confirmed that the bout wouldn’t have the same day weigh in, typically used by the IBF, and also wouldn’t have the 3-knockdown rule, as used by the WBA.
At the weigh-in Ioka was the lighter man, coming in comfortably under the limit at 114.64lb, whilst Martinez was slightly heavier, coming in at 114.86 lb. Both under the limit, and both comfortable. Both men also looked in great condition, making it very clear both had had sensational preparation for this bout, despite Martinez in particular having had some issue with travel.
After the men made weight they took part in a lengthy face off, with Ioka looking serious throughout and Martinez looking more relaxed, and slightly excited.
Ioka told the press "Every time, I think only about getting into the best condition I've ever been in, and I get a lot of support. I feel like I'm in good shape, and I'm in the best condition I've ever been in. I'm ready to fight,". He also explained that his experience coming into this bout will be key, and stated "The experience I gained in world fights up until now is a great asset in my boxing career. Of course, I will make use of that experience, but I think future challenges are more important than past experiences,"
As for Martinez, he was in a Messi T-shirt and headband and explained "I'm wearing this to symbolize the honor of Lionel Messi, who represents Argentina." As for the bout he went on to say "I've been training very hard. I'm grateful to my team for passing the weigh-in. Tomorrow, the two champions will have a good match. Tomorrow will be a war." and added "It will be a historic match, where we will fight with the hopes of our countries on our backs. I want to leave the victory in God's hands. I will make my dreams come true."
Notably at the rules meeting it was confirmed that the bout wouldn’t have the same day weigh in, typically used by the IBF, and also wouldn’t have the 3-knockdown rule, as used by the WBA.