Kazuto Ioka secured his position as one of boxing's top fighters by defeating former two-weight world champion Luis Nery via technical knockout (TKO) on February 22, 2023, at the Estadio de Tijuana, Mexico.
This highly anticipated bout showcased Ioka's skill and determination against Nery, who came off as formidable yet looked to reclaim past glory. From the onset, the atmosphere was electric, with fans expressing their support for both fighters, turning Tijuana's streets alive with excitement.
The first round saw Ioka aggressively pressuring Nery, creating strong openings. Ioka landed significant strikes, briefly staggering Nery, but the referee ruled it as a slip rather than a knockdown, much to the excitement (and frustration) of both camps. The momentum appeared to sway Ioka's way early, showcasing his ability to adapt under pressure.
Despite the strong start, Nery quickly found his rhythm, using his experience to counter Ioka's punches. By the third round, he responded with powerful combinations, pushing Ioka to the ropes. Still, the Japanese boxer maintained his composure, employing slick footwork and timely dodges to evade most of Nery's heavy shots.
Tragedy struck for Ioka late in the fight. Nery’s aggression came at a price, leading to head clashes. An accidental headbutt opened cuts near Ioka’s eyelids, restricting his vision and adding pressure to the already intense match. Some observers believed the referee should have penalized Nery for the unintentional foul, but no deductions were made, and the fight continued.
Rounding out the fight, official rounds etched closer to the seventh. Nery, displaying sheer determination, ramped up his offense, visibly tiring out Ioka. By the seventh round, it became clear Ioka needed to alter his approach. After receiving another crushing blow, he fell, but like true champions do, he rose quickly.
Back on his feet, Ioka resumed fighting, yet Nery exhibited relentless pressure, forcing Ioka to absorb punishment before finally scoring another knockdown. With the referee assessing the situation, he ended the bout at 2:35 mark of the seventh, granting Ioka the TKO and host of eager fans roaring for both fighters.
Post-fight reactions poured in from the boxing community. Tomoki Kameda, former champion and Ioka's cousin, noted, "Nery was determined until the end; that's proof of Ioka's capability. This match highlights how tough Ioka is and raises his profile considerably."
Kameda added, "I didn't expect him to be this strong," referring to Ioka’s performance and resilience.
Ioka’s victory marks another milestone, seriously bolstering his career as he eyes higher accomplishments—future bouts can see him challenging for titles. Boxers and translators lauded Ioka's ability to perform under pressure, especially fighting away from home against Nery, who had not lost at this venue.
Looking toward the future, this fight sets stage for exciting opportunities for Ioka. After thrilling fights become increasingly common, each victory brings him closer to establishing himself as one of the greatest boxers of our time. Whether he continues to challenge the elite of the division or settles for smaller bouts for experience remains to be seen but the fight brings forth the promise of continued competition for boxing fans.
This bout serves as yet another chapter in the resilient and inspiring story of Kazuto Ioka, reminding us all why we are drawn to the sweet science of boxing—the drama, the intensity, and the sheer willpower to persevere.