Ioka and Nietes pass pre-fight medical (and live link to weigh in)
On Wednesday we'll see WBO Super Flyweight champion Kazuto Ioka (28-2, 15) [井岡一翔] take on Filipino great Donnie Nietes (43-1-6, 23), in a rematch of their 2018 bout which saw Nietes take home a controversial decision victory in Macau.
Today, ahead of their bout, the two men attended a pre-fight medical which saw both men passing all the tests and having measurements taken, whilst also speaking to the media.
In comments to the media Ioka suggested that he wasn't impressed by Nietes in their first bout, and that he felt he should have had the win. He also explained that he was in perfect condition for this bout, as he looks for a win in his 22nd world title bout! As for Nietes he spoke about being grateful for this opportunity, and he also explained the origin of his nickname "Ahas", the Filipino word for Snake, the Japanese media. Interestingly he alluded to the fact both men maybe seeking a KO this time, after their close bout back in 2018.
As for the measurements. They showed Ioka to be the naturally bigger man, having advantages in terms of height and reach, and of course he's also the much younger man. He was also the thicker set man, suggesting he's the naturally bigger man in all dimensions, however he was in their first bout too, and failed to do what was needed to get the win there.
Today, ahead of their bout, the two men attended a pre-fight medical which saw both men passing all the tests and having measurements taken, whilst also speaking to the media.
In comments to the media Ioka suggested that he wasn't impressed by Nietes in their first bout, and that he felt he should have had the win. He also explained that he was in perfect condition for this bout, as he looks for a win in his 22nd world title bout! As for Nietes he spoke about being grateful for this opportunity, and he also explained the origin of his nickname "Ahas", the Filipino word for Snake, the Japanese media. Interestingly he alluded to the fact both men maybe seeking a KO this time, after their close bout back in 2018.
As for the measurements. They showed Ioka to be the naturally bigger man, having advantages in terms of height and reach, and of course he's also the much younger man. He was also the thicker set man, suggesting he's the naturally bigger man in all dimensions, however he was in their first bout too, and failed to do what was needed to get the win there.
The weigh in will take place around mid-day Japan time on Tuesday. For those wanting to watch that, we have included the official live stream of it below. The fight will be shown live on TBS, and affiliates, across Japan from 9PM local time, and can be watched, internationally, by using a YoiTV account.
Related - Ioka seeks revenge in rematch with Nietes!
Related - Ioka seeks revenge in rematch with Nietes!