By Pablo Fletes, notifight.com
The management team behind WBA "regular" junior flyweight champion Kazuto Ioka (11-0, 7 KOs) have walked away from the mandatory fight with WBA "super champion" Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez (34-0, 28KOs). A purse bid was scheduled for February 18th.
A meeting was held in Japan between businessman Akihiko Honda, director of Teiken Promotions, who internationally represents Gonzalez, and Ioka's handlers. Based on the meeting, it was confirmed by the Japanese boxer's team that they would not take part in next week's purse bid in Panama. Ioka's handlers feel their boxer has not yet gained the necessary experience to face a fighter on the level on Gonzalez.
According to Mr.Honda, Gonzalez could return to the ring in April in Mexico. However, it would not be a far-fetched possibility that Gonzalez defends his title on April 6 in Macao, China, as part of Top Rank's big event where Olympic gold medal winner Zou Shiming will make his pro debut.