Both World Boxing Organization super flyweight champion Kazuto Ioka of Shisei Boxing Gym and World Boxing Association super flyweight kingpin Joshua Franco of the United States cleared the weigh-ins on Dec. 30 for their title unification fight in Tokyo on New Year’s Eve.

The 33-year-old Ioka tipped the scales at the class limit of 52.1 kg while the 27-year-old Franco weighed in at 52.0 kg at a downtown hotel in Tokyo, thereby setting the stage for their fight at Ota City General Gymnasium.

While Ioka was 200 gram overweight in his first attempt, he took off his shorts immediately to meet the weight limit. Ioka said, ‘’I wanted to make it just barely like I should not have.’’ He appeared to be in good condition as he added, ‘’I am all set now and will fight by believing in myself. I am determined to unify the titles at all costs.’’

A person close to Ioka echoed by saying, ‘’He is really in good condition. He ate well and reduced his weight.’’

Franco also appeared in good condition by saying he wants to show a superb performance on tomorrow’s night.

Organizers said World Boxing Council super flyweight champion Juan Francisco Estrada of Mexico will visit Japan to watch the fight in person.

Ioka, Japan’s only four-division world titlist, has a record of 29 wins, including 15 knockouts, against two losses. He has retained the WBO title for five times so far.

For his part, Franco has an 18-1-2 win-loss draw tally with one no contest. He has eight KOs. He has successfully defended the WBA title once. It will be Franco’s first fight in about a year and four months.
Both will use Everlast-made gloves. The referee will be Melba Santos of Puerto Rico while the judges will be Jose Roberto Torres of Puerto Rico, Farlin Marsh of New Zealand and Stanley Christodoulou of South Africa.