WBO Orders Kazuto Ioka vs Donnie Nietes 2 for Super Flyweight World Title

By Carlos Costa

Great news for the always popular Donnie! Because the WBO – the world sanctioning body headquartered in San Juan Puerto Rico – has just yesterday ordered that their Japanese WBO super flyweight world champion Kazuto Ioka (28-2, 15 KO’s), make a mandatory defense of his belt against his former opponent, 4-division world champ Filipino Donnie Nietes (43-1-6, 23 KO’s) next.

As per instructions from the WBO Championships Committee Chairman Luis Batista Salas, the two camps will have only 30 days to reach an agreement for the rumble.

If they can’t, a purse bidding process will take place.

Kazuto Ioka, who last week celebrated his 33rd birthday, will be represented in the negotiation by Japanese media company Tralock Entertainment Inc., while Donnie, who turns 40 next month, will be handled in the talks by his promoter Richard Schaefer’s company, Probellum.

Donnie and Kazuto – two superbly skilled four-division champions – already trade artillery about 3 years ago with the skilled Murcia warrior edging the Japanese star in a very close, competitive, highly tactical encounter, which I watched from ringside with my Philboxing brother, director Dong Secuya.

The fight was on New Year’s eve in Macao, Donnie’s victory giving even more reasons to celebrate the arrival of 2019.

Will Donnie defeat Kazuto again as he did on that happy New Year’s Eve?

Or will the fantastic Japanese emerge victorious this time around? That we need to fight out!

FACTORS TO WONDER ABOUT:
Some boxing fans wonder if the younger Kazuto (7 years younger), might have the slight advantage this second time, as he has stayed more active and more focused, looking awesome fight after fight, defeating opponents of class and danger.

In contrast, the much admired Donnie hasn’t been as much active, and he hasn’t looked that impressive in dealing against B level boxers.

After Kazuto and Donnie fought in Macao, the Japanese king has beaten tough opponents in remarkable fashion, prevailing in five successive world title fights.

Specifically, the handsome Japanese star claimed victory over dangerous Nippon 3-belt combatant champ Ryoji Fukunaga, also, knocked out hard-hitting Filipino Aston Palicte, bested unbeaten Puerto Rican International titlist Jeyvier Cintrón, dominated Mexican slugger Latino champ Francisco “Chihuas” Rodríguez, and knocked out in eight rounds Japanese 3-division world champion Kosei Tanaka.

Kazuto has done all the above in riveting performances, showing fans fantastic boxing quality.

In contrast, Donnie has had only 2 fights since his encounter with Kazuto, not look at allas amazing as Kazuto.

Donnie decisioned unheralded Colombian Pablo Carrillo, and then last December got a close and controversial split draw against mediocre Dominican Republic boxer Norbelto “Meneito” Jiménez, one of the judges actually scoring for Jiménez, the brave and classy “Ahas” ending the 10-round battle appearing really tired.

Next is Kazuto Ioka.

With no preparation fight possible, the veteran Donnie will have to train as never before to be in top shape to defeat Kazuto Ioka, a man of proven superb skills and courage who knows Donnie well, and who will wait for him to get revenge.

Will he get it?

Of course, It is not yet known exactly where and when will Kazuto Ioka vs Donnie Nietes 2 will unfold.

But given the star power of Kazuto in Japan, we could guess that the rumble might place in the Land of the Rising sun, probably at the O,ta-City General Gymnasium, the very same venue where Kazuto has scored his last 4 world title fights. It’s Probably unlikely that the battle would unfold in the Philippines, athough in boxing we never known.

With Probellum guiding the former ALA star, it is also possible that the 12-rounds might happen in Dubai, where Probellum stages regular shows.

We’ll keep you inform Best of luck Donnie!!