The super-flyweight division has been flourishing in recent months, first with Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez (20-0) dropping future Hall of Famer Juan Francisco Estrada (44-4) for the WBC and Ring Magazine titles and now with Fernando ‘Puma’ Martinez (17-0) upsetting the odds in Japan, beating Kazuto Ioka (31-3-1) in a highly skillful and close bout.
With the win, the Argeninian claimed the WBA belt, adding it to his collection, consisting of the IBF belt. In a tight contest, the aggression of the ‘Puma’ clearly swayed the judges, who perhaps scored the fight by a much wider margin than the bout played out.
After all, Ioka is one of the most technically gifted fighters of his generation and certainly kept Martinez on his toes throughout.
Both fights, that of Estrada-Bam and Ioka-Martinez, were classic super-flyweight super fights and, as a result, fight fans are calling for a unification bout of the highest level. However, there are many obstacles that lie in the way.
For instance, it is known that Estrada is considering activating a rematch clause, which could keep Rodriguez from pursuing any unifications or further defences.
Also of note, the Ioka fight could be one that Rodriguez might be interested in taking; it would afford Ioka the opportunity to regain a title, whilst giving Rodriguez the fortune of avenging his brother, Joshua Franco (18-2-3), who would lose to Ioka in June of 2023.
However, Ioka has alluded to a potential retirement at the end of 2024, having had a Hall of Fame worthy career, leaving the door wide open for Rodriguez to pick up further belts and challenge himself against a live-wire opponent in Martinez.
Both men, however, will have to also contend with WBO World Super-Flyweight champion Kosei Tanaka (20-1), a record-breaking fighter who will be eager to get amongst the mix. Be it avenging his fellow countryman Ioka against Martinez or striving to finish the unstoppable ‘Bam’, Tanaka will be sure to make his presence known in the conversation.
Ultimately, with these issues aside, a super fight between Rodriguez and Martinez would provide complete fireworks – to the joy of fight fans. With the sheer power and masterful footwork of ‘Bam’ versus the aggression and youthful, vigorous energy of Martinez, this bout has all the makings of a generational classic.