By Jake Donovan
Precocious strawweight Kazuto Ioka capped a remarkable 2011 campaign with a first round knockout of Yodgeon Tor Chalermchai in their title fight Saturday in Osaka, Japan.
The visiting Thai fighter found out early that he was in over his head, as Ioka went to work from the opening bell. Two power shots set the tone for the fight ending blow, a sweeping left hook that put Tor Chalermchai down and out midway through the opening round.
No count was issued as referee Bruce McTavish immediately waved off the bout and ushered in ringside physicians to tend to the fallen fighter. Their efforts proved crucial, as the challenger was unable to the leave the ring under his own power, placed on a gurney as he was carried out.
The official time was 1:38 of round one.
Ioka picks up the quickest win of his young career as he improves to 9-0 (8KO).
Tor Chalermchai, 21, falls to 8-1 (4KO) in his first title fight and also first fight outside of his native Thailand.
The year began with a bang for Ioka, who never looked back after scoring an upset fifth round knockout of top strawweight Oleydong Sithsamerchai in February to earn his first title just 22 months after his pro debut in April ’09.
Two defenses have followed for the 22-year old Ioka, with Saturday’s quick hit coming four months after his impressive showing in outpointing Mexican contender Juan Hernandez.
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com. Follow Jake on Twitter at twitter.com/JakeNDaBox or submit questions/comments to JakeNDaBox@gmail.com.
