One of the most decorated fighters from Japan, Kazuto Ioka is the the first male four-weight world champion from the area. With over 300 rounds under his belt, he has accomplished what many have dreamed of doing in a short period.
The orthodox fighter currently reigns over the super flyweight division, where he's held the WBO super flyweight title. His main goal is the WBA super flyweight title held by Joshua Franco. The two face off in a rematch from their bout a few months ago, which ended in a draw.
The fight is in the Ota-City General Gymnasium on June 24.
If he can win, Ioka will continue to look to face the best of the division, with the potential to move in weight again.
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The Sporting News looks into the career of Ioka, from where he started, and how he became a multi-division champion.
What titles has Kazuto Ioka won?
The 34-year-old has held the WBC and WBA Minimumweight, WBA light flyweight, IBF and WBA flyweight, and the WBO super flyweight titles.
What is Kazuto Ioka's boxing record?
Ioka has a 29-2-1 record, with 15 wins via knockout.
Born in Sakai, Japan, Ioka turned pro in 2009 after not qualifying for the Olympics. In his sixth pro bout, he won local light flyweight gold in Japan. He won the WBC Minimumweight title in his next bout in 2011, beating Kittipong Jaigrajang via TKO. Defending the belt three times, Ioka also held the WBA title by beating Akira Yaegashi in 2012.
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Moving in weight, Ioka beat Jose Alfredo Rodriguez on New Year's Eve 2012 to win the WBA light flyweight belt. He lost his first bout in 2014, facing Amnat Ruenroeng for the IBF flyweight title. It would not be his last attempt at flyweight gold, as Ioka beat Juan Carlos Reveco for the WBA flyweight title. Defending the belt five times, Ioka eventually had his nine-fight win streak end in 2018 against Donnie Nietes, this time for the WBO super flyweight title.
Like his fight against Ruenroeng, he quickly recovered by winning the WBO title in 2019 against Aston Palicte. From 2019-2022, Ioka successfully defended the belt five times.
Facing Franco for the WBA and WBO belts on New Year's Eve 2022, their fight ended in a majority decision draw. Ioka vacated the WBO title to fight Franco again instead of facing mandatory challenger Junto Nakatani.