By Osman Rosales Cruz
The junior flyweight champion of the World Boxing Association (WBA), Nicaraguan Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez, has declared himself ready to trade punches with Japan's Kazuto Ioka (11-0, 7 KOs), who on December 31st stopped Jose Rodriguez in six rounds to capture the vacant WBA "regular" junior flyweight title. The title became vacant when the WBA made Gonzalez the "super champion."
Both Gonzalez (34-0, 28KOs) and Ioka, 23, are former straweight champions who moved up in weight for bigger fights. The two boxers have to face each other, per the WBA, within 90 days of 12/31. Gonzalez is no stranger to fighting in Japan and enjoys spending time in the country.
"I like the fact that [Ioka] won because it gives me the opportunity to go to [Japan] again and prove my potential. Ioka is a good fighter, but when we collide he will face someone who is better," Gonzalez said.
The fight might be held in mid-April in Japan, with promoter Akihito Honda of Teiken staging the event.
