Japan Pro Boxing Association said on June 22 it will ask Japan Boxing Commission to explain detailed circumstances under which JBC announced its detection of a hemp substance from Kazuto Ioka of Shisei Boxing Gym without consulting with the association.

According to JPBA, led by Celes Boxing gym head Shoji Kobayashi, better known as Celes Kobayashi, JPBA has been in the dark about the matter, including the relevant substance.

JBC issued a statement on June 21 that a small amount of a hemp substance was detected from Ioka’s urine sample after Ioka, then World Boxing Organization super flyweight champion, fought to a draw with World Boxing Association super flyweight kingpin Joshua Franco of the United States in their title unification fight on Dec. 31 last year.

JPBA continued it is totally confused about the matter since it was announced immediately before their direct rematch in Tokyo on June 24.

Aside from this, JPBA will see to it that each and every gym under its wing will carry out thorough compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

The 34-year-old Ioka, currently ranked sixth in the division by the WBA, relinquished his WBO title in February and opted to have a direct rematch with Franco, 27.