Donnie Nietes gets shot to reclaim world title in rematch vs Kazuto Ioka

MANILA, Philippines, June 5 ------ Donnie Nietes is set for a rematch against Japanese Kazuto Ioka for the World Boxing Organization junior bantamweight title on July 13 at Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.

Probellum announced the renewal of rivalry as the Filipino fighter seeks to reclaim the belt he earned in 2018 that he relinquished soon after the fight. “This was the fight I wanted the most and I am incredibly eager to win back my world title,” Nietes said. “I have been in training since February for this fight but I really stepped up my levels when I knew it was confirmed.”

The former four-weight champion, who won world titles at minimumweight, light flyweight, flyweight and up at 115lbs, is eager to assert his mastery of Ioka, whom he beat via split decision in their first meeting last December 31, 2018. “This rematch makes me excited and when I vacated the title in 2018 it was always in my mind that I would, one day, win it back. On July 13, that dream will become a reality,” he said.

The 40-year-old boxer, who holds a 43-1-6 record with 23 knockouts, returned to action April last year, beating Pablo Carillo via unanimous decision. But he settled for a split draw against Norbelto Jimenez last December.

Source: sports.inquirer.net