Kazuto Ioka vs Kosei Tanaka Preview & Prediction

THE FACTS

Where is Kazuto Ioka vs Kosei Tanaka taking place? Ota City General Gymnasium, Tokyo

When is Kazuto Ioka vs Kosei Tanaka on and what time does it start? Thursday 31st December, 2020 – 09:00 (UK)

What channel is Kazuto Ioka vs Kosei Tanaka on? BoxNation

Where can I stream Kazuto Ioka vs Kosei Tanaka? BoxNation streaming information can be found here

Where can I get tickets for Kazuto Ioka vs Kosei Tanaka? This event will take place without spectators

THE LOWDOWN

WBO super flyweight champion Kazuto Ioka 25–2 (14 KOs) became the first Japanese boxer to become a four-weight world champion when he defeated Aston Palicte for the vacant WBO super flyweight title in June 2019. This will be his second defence of that title and his first bout since he defeated Jeyvier Cintrón on points at this very venue on the final day of 2019.

Kosei Tanaka 15–0 (9 KOs) was also on the same bill at Ota City General Gymnasium on 31 December 2019 and he rounded off the year with a successful defence of his WBO flyweight title against Wulan Tuolehazi. He vacated that belt soon afterwards and now has his sights set on matching Ioka’s feat of becoming a four-weight world champion – though if he does win, Tanaka would have achieved this accomplishment in fewer fights.

THE PREDICTION

This is a mouth-watering contest between two fighters who have accomplished so much and their hunger shows no sign of waning. Kazuto Ioka is the more experienced fighter and he also has a reach advantage over the challenger but Kosei Tanaka has proven that he is no ordinary boxer as he is aiming to become a four-weight world champion in just his 16th professional bout. It seems likely that the fight will match the hype as both of these competitors are at their best when the stakes are high and we should see 12 rounds of entertaining action. Tanaka is favoured to edge this one on points, however, if you are considering a more cautious bet then you might want to opt for a wager on the fight to go the distance so you can just sit back and enjoy the action regardless of who wins.

PREDICTION: Fight to go the distance