The World Boxing Association’s sixth-ranked super flyweight Josber Perez of Venezuela arrived at Narita International Airport in Chiba Prefecture on the outskirts of Tokyo on Dec. 27 for his challenge to champion Kazuto Ioka of Shisei Boxing Gym on Dec. 31 at Tokyo’s Ota City General Gymnasium.

  Upon arrival at the airport, the 28-year-old Perez told reporters, ‘’I came to Japan in my best condition. It will be a great fight on New Year’s Eve. I’m determined to bring back the championship belt to Venezuela with a knockout victory.’’

  He appeared to be in good condition as he said he has only 2 kg (some 4.41 lbs) above the 52.16 kg (115 lbs) super flyweight limit. One of the trainers of Ioka’s eventual target World Boxing Council super flyweight champion Juan Francisco Estrada of Mexico is expected to serve as a cornerman for Perez.

  The 34-year-old Ioka has a record of 30 wins, including 15 knockouts, against two losses and a draw, while Perez has a 20-3 win-loss tally with 18 KOs. PHOTO by Shisei Boxing Gym