Japanese boxer Kazuto Ioka (left) and Filipino champion Jerwin Ancajas.
MANILA, Philippines—Jerwin Ancajas’ 10th defense of his IBF super flyweight title will be the biggest of his career yet as he’s set for a unification bout against WBO champion Kazuto Ioka on December 31 in Tokyo, Japan.
MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons announced the fight on Thursday during a YouTube stream at Ancajas’ channel Joven Sports.
“We’ve been preparing for this one and of course we’re going to take the fight seriously,” said Ancajas in Filipino. “Unification bouts are hard to come by.”
“We’re working harder for this fight so that we won’t waste all the time waiting for a unification. This fight is the biggest one of my career.”
Ancajas (33-1-2) stopped six of his previous challengers and is coming off a unanimous decision win over Jonathan Rodriguez in April.
Ioka (27-2-0) is on a four-fight winning streak and his last loss was in New Year’s Eve in 2018 against Donnie Nietes.
The Japanese slugger has won five five titles in four weight classes and holds a 21-2 record in World championship fights.
Ancajas, meanwhile, has held just the IBF 115-pound title in his career.