Kazuto Ioka eyes Jerwin Ancajas next after latest defense
Japanese boxer Kazuto Ioka (left) and Filipino champion Jerwin Ancajas.
MANILA, Philippines—Jerwin Ancajas’ dream of unifying the super flyweight bantamweight titles could soon become reality as fellow champion Kazuto Ioka has the same wish.
Ioka’s desire is to become the undisputed champion at 115 pounds, the same goal as Ancajas, and he’s now looking to set up a fight that would unify his WBO belt with the Filipino’s IBF strap.
The Japanese star recently defeated Mexico’s Francisco Rodriguez Jr. to defend his title at Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo.
“I still have goals to gain more recognition in the world, there is much more to achieve. My goal is to unify the belts,” said Ioka as per Ring Magazine.
“I can only control my own destiny. I hope for a unification fight with the IBF champion Ancajas.”
Ioka (27-2) is no.10 in Ring Magazine’s pound-for-pound list and no.3 in the super flyweight division while Ancajas (33-1-2) is no.4 in the 115-lb weight class.
Ancajas has said in previous interviews that he wants to become the undisputed champion in his weight class .
Juan Francisco Estrada, who holds the WBA, WBC and Ring Magazine titles, would seem to be the final step in the unification process as the Mexican is also the top super flyweight in the publication’s rankings and no.8 in the pound-for-pound list.
