By Hilmar Rojas
The Championship Committee of the World Boxing Association (WBA) has ordered a purse bid for February 18 for the mandatory fight between the "regular" junior flyweight world champion Kazuto Ioka of Japan, and the "super champion" of the division, Nicaraguan boxer Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez.
Ioka won the regular title on December 31 in Osaka with a seven round TKO over Mexican Jose Rodriguez. His record remains undefeated with 11 wins, seven by knockout. Previously he had reigned at the minimumweight category.
Meanwhile, Gonzalez, the super champion, has a record of 34 victories, 28 of them by knockout, and no defeats. His last performance was on November 17 in Los Angeles, where he retained the crown with a unanimous decision over Mexican slugger Juan Francisco Estrada. Previously he also had reigned at minimumweight.
The purse bid will take place at the WBA's offices in Panama. The minimum amount to participate will be $80,000, with 75% for the super champion, and 25% for regular champion.