The Japan Pro Boxing Association is considering asking the Japan Boxing Commission to explain circumstances under which World Boxing Organization super flyweight champion Kazuto Ioka of Ambition GYM allegedly tested positive for doping in title defense against top-ranked Kosei Tanaka of SOUL BOX Hatanaka Boxing Gym on Dec. 31 last year.

According to JPBA Secretary General Shosei Nitta, regular weekly magazines reported Ioka used a banned drug although he stopped previously undefeated Tanaka in the eighth round to retain his title. Nitta plans to seek the JBC’s written reply on this.

The JBC said it cannot comment on the issue at this point since it has not checked the facts.