*TKO* KAZUTO IOKA (JAPAN) vs ASTON PALICTE (PHILIPPINES) FIGHT

Summary

This boxing match recap describes an exciting 12-round fight for the WBO Superflyweight Championship between Japanese boxer Kazuto Ioka and Filipino challenger Aston Palicte. It highlights Ioka's patient technical style, defensive skills, and counterpunching prowess against Palicte's power and aggression. After a competitive back-and-forth battle, Ioka prevailed by decision to become a 4-division world champion, marking a triumphant moment after a previous failed world title attempt against the same opponent.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ioka won the WBO world super flyweight title in his second attempt
• 👊 There was solid technical fighting and gutsy performances by both boxers
• 💪 Ioka has showcased great defensive skills like footwork, body movement and hand defense
• ⚡ Ioka cycles seamlessly between different forms of defense
• 🥊 Ioka was focused on his boxing fundamentals
• 🎯 Ioka's trainer worked to improve his rhythm, combinations and body shots
• 😤 Parlicte showed power but slowed down later in the fight
• 🧠 Both boxers had to manage distance, pace and find opportunities to land shots
• 🏆 This was Ioka's world title in a fourth weight class
• 😄 Ioka showed absolute joy after winning the close fight

Q & A

What was the significance of this fight for ioka?

This fight marked the point at which ioka became a world champion in four different weight classes. It was a huge accomplishment.

What was ioka's previous attempt at the WBO title?

This was ioka's second attempt at the WBO Superflyweight title. He was unsuccessful in his first attempt against Donnie Nietes in a close and controversial fight.

What stood out about ioka's defensive skills?

Ioka utilizes all three forms of defense well - footwork, body movement, and hand defense. He cycles through them seamlessly to remain in range, pressure opponents, and focus on his boxing.

How did ioka's trainer motivate him between rounds?

His trainer told him to remember that he is a champion who has won titles in 3 weight classes already. He motivated ioka to keep pressing, block punches, and take his counters.

What adjustments could further improve ioka's skills?

He could work on improving his speed of movement and reaction time. Tightening up his defense slightly could help him react to punches earlier.

What was Aston Palicte's background leading into this fight?

Palicte was the #1 ranked contender and this was his second attempt at a world title. He did extensive high-altitude training and sparring to prepare.

How did Palicte's stamina issues affect the later rounds?

Palicte slowed down significantly in the later rounds. His punches lacked speed and power, which allowed ioka to avoid and counter them more easily.

What defensive tactics did ioka use against Palicte's power?

Ioka used good footwork, blocking, and evasive head movement to avoid taking clean power shots from Palicte.

How did the judges score the fight?

The judges scored the fight closely in ioka's favor. He won by majority decision to claim the vacant WBO super flyweight title.

What adjustments did ioka's corner advise between rounds?

They told him to use fluid in-and-out movement, tighten up his defense, and target the body to slow Palicte down.