Ioka Vs Tanaka to be shown on allegedly!

[Counter-puncher]

Did i see someone on CS refer to Ioka’s performance as Marquez-like? It’s a damn good comparison this is brilliant stuff.

It's on this thread, great shout. Ioka was top drawer.

Right, fair play (and apologies) to whoever said that

[Counter-puncher]

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh

Stoppage bang-on for me

[Autobarn]

Ioka does remind me of several fighters. In his stance and punch delivery he is akin to Hideyuki Ohashi, who was stopped in two legendary slugging matches by the great Jung Koo Chang during the 1980s. He was blown away by Ricardo Lopez after these hard fights. But also was in distinguished wars with some hard Thai and Korean opponents in the ‘90s, winning junior flyweight and then strawwweight titles.

In his methodical rhythm, he often made me think of a 130-pound Chavez or a 135-pound Jose Luis Castillo. Or even Alexis Arguello. But obviously without that level of power.

Estrada reminds me more of the Marquez bros. Especially the unusual way he tenses his shoulders and elbows and digs his feet into the canvas when punching.

By the way Ioka’s been in loads of good fights. The one with Yaegashi is epic. Felix Alvarado gave him a tremendous fight, as did Juan Carlos Reveco in a very hard rivalry. Reveco disputed the first fight’s decision and Ioka stopped him late in their rematch. There was a heavy handed Thai, Yutthna Kaensa/Stamp Kiatniwat, who dropped Ioka, who was then forced to rally for a 7th round win demonstrating great offensive skill.

The one with Nietes was high level stuff, brisk, skilful and entertaining, even though neither seemed to be truly digging in. He had to beat Cintron the hard way, and although the win over Palicte was a clinic, there was one round where the Filipino went all out, turning it briefly into a thrilling slugging match.

[Autobarn]

Ioka’s footwork nowadays is all purpose. His feet are much tighter to the ground and he’s ready to punch hard at nearly all times. He was always pretty good with the old half step back and counter. Difference nowadays is he’s holding his ground and dominating the space with feints and assuming the poise of readiness to counter.

Very subtle and economical fighter with great timing and nice repertoire. He was always my favourite while others were raving about (the admittedly great) Chocolatito and Inoue.

I agree he’s different since his year retirement. Maybe he carries the weight better at super flyweight as well. He seems a bit more compact.

Loved his comeback every step of the way. This man is a joy to watch.

[margaret thatcher]

Ioka vs the JF Estrada-Choco winner gotta happen this year

[margaret thatcher]

funny about nietes, dude only has 1 loss in almost 50 fights, beat ioka close but not really controversial, yet no one seems to give a sheet about him

[Autobarn]

Nietes is not everyone’s cup of tea and he didn’t do anything after the Ioka fight. Not all his fights are easy on the eyes but he’s very effective. I felt their fight was outstanding but the media seems often to be in the rush to find the next Filipino legend and I found some of the coverage biased in favour of him. Loved Ioka’s response to this, not using it as a setback but a springboard to gain momentum, beat two younger, bigger contenders and then stop a standout in Tanaka.

But definitely this is one of the best ever eras of fighters around super flyweight and I’ve constantly had the feeling I used to get during the MAB, Terrible, JMM and Pac Man era.