Ioka vs. Nietes Archives - Europe's No.1 Boxing Website

11 July 2022

Richard Schaefer on Donnie Nietes: Unification’s aim after Ioka fight

Boxen247.com Boxing News Donnie Nietes, Ioka vs. Nietes, Ioka vs. Nietes 2, Kazuto Ioka, Richard Schaefer 0

Richard Schaefer on Donnie Nietes: Unification's aim after Ioka fight | Boxen247.com

Kazuto Ioka vs. Donnie Nietes 2

Ota-City General Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan – 13 July 2022

Richard Schaefer says the “special” Donnie Nietes will chase major unification fights after regaining his world title.

Nietes is in Tokyo, Japan to challenge WBO junior bantamweight champion Kazuto Ioka on Wednesday night at the Ota-City Gymnasium.

The Filipino hero, 40, defeated Ioka in 2018 to win that belt but would soon vacate the title and nearly four years on, he heads into “enemy territory” to take it back.

And Probellum President Schaefer says once Nietes has reclaimed the WBO crown, he will target unification showdowns with the other world champions, including Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Juan Francisco Estrada.

“Boxing is like an addiction and it’s very difficult for fighters to let go,” Schaefer said.

“And when you do become world champion again at age 40, who is going to stop you?

“Who is going to tell you that you cannot go and try to pursue a unification fight?

“For a long time, the lower weight classes were the neglected but now that has changed, and today, they are extremely popular with fight fans and networks.

“It’s the right time to be in those weight classes and would I not be surprised if Donnie, once he’s world champion again, says: ‘Hey, I might as well add a few more titles.’”

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11 July 2022

Kazuto Ioka vs. Donnie Nietes: Rematch in Tokyo this Wednesday

Boxen247.com Boxing News Donnie Nietes, Ioka vs. Nietes, Kazuto Ioka 0

Kazuto Ioka vs. Donnie Nietes: Rematch in Tokyo this Wednesday | Boxen247.com

Kazuto Ioka vs. Donnie Nietes

Ota-City General Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan – 13 July 2022

Kazuto Ioka has warned Donnie Nietes to be prepared for a more aggressive version of himself in their WBO title rematch.

The rivals clashed in 2018 when the vacant junior bantamweight belt was on the line, with Filipino hero Nietes winning via a split decision after 12 closely fought rounds.

Nietes would vacate the title soon after, allowing Ioka a second stab at glory and the Japanese fighter has reigned as WBO champion for over three years.

The pair meet again in Tokyo on Wednesday night and though Ioka has complimented the intelligence and durability of the 40-year-old, he plans on turning the heat up on Nietes this time.

“He was a very tough and smart fighter,” Ioka told The Ring.

“He moves well and counters very good.

“But I don’t recall being hit hard or getting in trouble, so I believe I can go after him more aggressively this time.

“His punching power is not as explosive as other fighters I have fought recently. I will look to exploit him with my own counters.”

Ioka and Nietes have both won world titles in four different weights and will be remembered as legends of the sport.

And though Ioka is the younger of the two greats, he insists age will not be a factor in this rematch.

“Although people are saying Nietes is old now, I do not think so,” he said.

“I expect the same Nietes from last time,” said the defending titleholder.