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Fernando Martínez vs. Kazuto Ioka 2: Illness Causes Cancellation


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By Sadeeq Ahmed, BigFightWeekend

Kazuto Ioka (31-3-1, 16 KOs) will have to wait a while longer for a chance to avenge his loss to Fernando Martínez (17-0, 9 KOs).

The Argentinian withdrew from their rematch set to take place on December 31 at the Ota-City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan. Their bout, had it gone ahead, would have been for Martínez’s WBA super flyweight title. The remainder of the Shisei Promotions card, which includes a WBA super featherweight eliminator between Hayato Tsutsumi and Rene Alvarado, will go ahead as scheduled on ABEMA.

According to Martínez’s manager and trainer Rodrigo Calabrese, the reason for the WBA champion’s withdrawal was due to him having the flu.

“I prioritize my boxer’s health,” Calabrese said. “We are always going to win and my boxer was not in a condition to get into a ring. And whatever happens, the boxer’s health comes first.”

On December 26, Martínez was supposed to appear at a public workout. However, he cancelled it, claiming that he had a fever. His team at the time also requested to skip the final press conference that was to take place on December 29. Ultimately, Martínez did not appear at the press conference.

The cancellation denies Ioka a chance to avenge his unanimous decision loss to Martínez in July of this year. Upon the Argentinian’s withdrawal becoming official, Ioka had this to say:

“I feel very sorry not to be able to fight Martinez, and wish to fight for the world championship either with him or with another organization’s champion,” he said.

Organizers did not confirm whether or not the rematch will be rescheduled for a later date. Whether it happens remains to be seen. If it does, boxing fans should find out in the coming weeks.

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