Joshua Franco, the WBA super flyweight champion, is set to square off once again with Kazuto Ioka in a highly anticipated rematch in Tokyo, Japan on the 24th of June.

Details regarding the broadcasting network for the Franco vs. Ioka bout remain hazy. Their previous clash didn’t see airtime in the United States, leaving fans eager for information about this time around.

Locating the rematch in Japan is a shrewd move, presenting a more lucrative opportunity than a possible bout in the U.S. To lure Franco back to his San Antonio home turf would require a hefty financial incentive. However, it’s doubtful that the potential earnings there could match what’s anticipated in Japan.

Franco (18-1-3, 8 KOs) battled Ioka to a contentious 12 round stalemate last New Year’s Eve at Ota City General Gymnasium, Tokyo. Despite Franco seemingly outmatching his opponent according to several spectators, the judges’ verdict was a split decision: 115-113 in favour of Franco, 114-114, and 1114-114. This observer scored the match 10-2 for Franco, as he dominantly outworked the veteran Ioka with his intensive combination punching.

Surprisingly, Ioka (29-2-1, 5 KOs), aged 33, is opting to forgo his WBO 115-lb title rather than defend it against Junto Nakatani, his mandatory contender. It appears the World Boxing Organisation’s recent order for him to face Nakatani sparked this decision.

It’s a tactical move from Ioka, given the undefeated 25-year-old Nakatani (24-0, 18 KOs) would likely best him, and potentially the rest of the 115-lb contenders as well. However, the scales may tip in Ioka’s favour against the 27-year-old Franco if the judges are as favourable to him as they were in their previous face-off.

Franco’s WBA junior bantamweight title will once again be up for grabs, though Ioka’s WBO title won’t be. Ioka has chosen to vacate his title ahead of the Feb. 28 purse bid for a mandatory bout against Nakatani.

The San Antonio-born Franco is the elder brother of Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez, the celebrated former WBC super flyweight champion, and aged just 23.

Before his decision to surrender his WBO 115-lb title, Ioka had successfully defended his belt on six occasions.

Franco’s exhilarating style, featuring a torrent of combination punches akin to WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, has been his trademark. This strategy served him well against Ioka last December, as he unleashed a barrage of three to five-punch combinations, keeping Ioka on the backfoot throughout the bout.

As excitement builds within the boxing community, the date is set for the epic rematch between Joshua Franco, the current WBA super flyweight champion, and seasoned fighter Kazuto Ioka. This highly anticipated encounter is set to occur on the 24th of June, in the heart of Tokyo, Japan. An evening full of thrilling boxing and intense rivalry awaits, making it a must-see event for boxing enthusiasts around the globe.

Uncertainty still shrouds the broadcasting details of the Franco vs. Ioka match-up, stirring the curiosity of keen fans. Their previous electrifying duel wasn’t televised in the United States, leading to speculation and anticipation about this fight’s potential international viewership. Will it be a prime time spectacle on a major sports channel or a pay-per-view exclusive? All eyes will undoubtedly be on this announcement as fans eagerly await the opportunity to witness this clash of titans.

Holding the rematch in the Land of the Rising Sun is a masterstroke, as Japan’s avid boxing fan base promises a substantial financial boon. Although Franco’s home crowd in San Antonio would undoubtedly love to host the fight, the economic incentive of a Japanese staging far outweighs any sentimentality. In the world of professional boxing, business often comes first, and Japan represents a lucrative market opportunity too good to pass up.

When Franco (18-1-3, 8 KOs) met Ioka in the ring on the last day of the previous year at the Ota City General Gymnasium, Tokyo, the fight concluded in a disputed draw after 12 fierce rounds. Despite many observers believing Franco held a decisive edge, the judges rendered a contentious split decision, favouring Franco with a 115-113 score, while the remaining scores were 114-114 and 1114-114. As an avid boxing observer, my scorecard read a convincing 10-2 in favour of Franco, who dictated the pace with his relentless work rate and tactical combination punching.

In a move that has surprised many in the boxing world, Ioka (29-2-1, 5 KOs), at 33, has decided to relinquish his WBO 115-lb title rather than defend it against the mandatory contender, Junto Nakatani. This bold choice seems prompted by the World Boxing Organisation’s recent directive ordering him to face the young and formidable Nakatani.

From a tactical standpoint, Ioka’s decision makes sense. Given the undefeated record of the 25-year-old Nakatani (24-0, 18 KOs), Ioka would be entering the ring as the underdog. The younger Nakatani is a formidable force who poses a threat to every 115-lb contender, and Ioka’s chances appear brighter against Franco, especially if he can curry favour with the judges as he did in their previous bout.

Franco’s WBA junior bantamweight title will be the ultimate prize of the evening, while Ioka’s WBO belt will be absent from the line-up. In a move that speaks to his strategic acumen, Ioka has opted to vacate his title before the Feb. 28 purse bid for a mandatory bout against Nakatani.

Hailing from San Antonio, Texas, Franco is not the only boxer in his family to taste success. His younger brother, the 23-year-old Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez, has already carved his name into the annals of boxing history as a former WBC super flyweight champion. This familial connection adds an extra layer of intrigue and prestige to Franco’s profile.

Before making the significant decision to drop his WBO 115-lb title, Ioka had successfully defended his title on six separate occasions, each time proving his worth in the highly competitive ring.

Franco’s exciting approach in the ring, reminiscent of the captivating style of WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, has earned him respect among fans and pundits alike. Franco’s signature technique involves rapid three to five-punch combinations, a strategy which leaves his opponents scrambling in defence. This tactic was on full display during his previous showdown with Ioka in December, allowing Franco to maintain a commanding presence throughout the fight.

This rematch will be a true testament to both fighters’ resilience, skill, and determination. Ioka, with his wealth of experience and record of success, will undoubtedly pose a challenge to the younger Franco. It will be an uphill battle for Franco, as Ioka will be seeking to avenge the perceived injustice of their previous draw. In the backdrop of the neon-lit Tokyo cityscape, both fighters will have much to prove, and even more to gain.

Despite Franco’s commanding performance in their previous encounter, this match won’t be a walk in the park. Both fighters will undoubtedly approach this rematch with a fresh perspective and refined strategies, ensuring an edge-of-the-seat encounter for fans worldwide. While Franco might maintain his high-octane, combination-heavy fighting style, boxing aficionados should look out for possible variations in his approach. As a versatile fighter, Franco has the ability to switch strategies based on his opponents’ tactics.

Meanwhile, Ioka will be keen to flip the script in this rematch. A seasoned boxer with numerous victories under his belt, Ioka’s performance will reflect his years of experience in the ring. He will look to exploit any gaps in Franco’s aggressive style and will surely arrive prepared to deliver some surprises.

As an added layer of intrigue, the brotherly bond between Franco and the younger Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez adds a sense of shared family glory to the mix. Rodriguez, a celebrated former WBC super flyweight champion at just 23 years of age, shares a strong bond with his elder brother. Franco’s fight will not just be for his own legacy, but for his family’s honour as well.

At the heart of this fight is the sheer love for boxing. The chance to witness two top-level fighters clashing in a high-stakes rematch is an event that any boxing enthusiast won’t want to miss. Amid the buzz and anticipation surrounding this match, one thing is certain: on June 24th in Tokyo, Joshua Franco and Kazuto Ioka will not just be fighting for their titles, but also for their places in boxing history.