Kazuto Ioka, the Japanese boxing legend and former four-division world champion, makes his bantamweight debut in a WBA title eliminator against the hard-hitting Venezuelan challenger Maikel Ordosgoitti. This New Year’s Eve clash continues Ioka’s tradition of year-end fights in Tokyo, where he aims to rebound from back-to-back losses to Fernando Martinez and position himself for another title shot. Ordosgoitti, a knockout artist with power in both hands, steps into the biggest fight of his career but faces a massive experience gap against the 36-year-old veteran. Expect a tactical masterclass from Ioka, who could exploit Ordosgoitti’s aggressive style with counterpunching, though the challenger’s one-punch power adds intrigue in the early rounds. The bout is scheduled for 12 rounds at bantamweight (118 lbs).
Venue Location
Ota City General Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan. This 4,000-capacity arena, a staple for Japanese boxing events, provides a pro-Ioka atmosphere with passionate local fans. It’s hosted numerous title fights, including Ioka’s past defenses, and favors technical boxers in its intimate setting.
Ringwalk is set for 7:00 PM JST (5:00 AM ET / 2:00 AM PT). The fight will be broadcast on Lemino (Japan) and available via international PPV streams. Undercard starts around 5:00 PM JST.
Injury Report
No major injuries reported for either fighter as of December 27, 2025. Ioka, who had a flu-related cancellation in a previous bout (December 2024 vs. Martinez), appears fully healthy after a smooth training camp for his bantamweight move. Ordosgoitti has no recent injury history, with his last fight in June 2025 ending in a TKO win without issues. Both are expected to make weight and enter the ring at 100%.
Fighter Matchups
This eliminator pits Ioka’s elite technical boxing and ring IQ against Ordosgoitti’s raw power and aggression. Ioka, a southpaw with precise footwork and counterpunching, excels in mid-range exchanges and has faced world-class opposition across weights. His defense (rarely stopped, only 1 KO loss) could frustrate Ordosgoitti, who relies on overwhelming opponents with heavy hooks and uppercuts (93% KO rate). Ordosgoitti’s youth (likely mid-20s) and reach advantage might allow early pressure, but Ioka’s experience (over 340 rounds fought) should help him weather storms and pick apart the challenger late.
Key stylistic clash: Ioka’s volume punching vs. Ordosgoitti’s one-shot power—expect Ioka to circle and counter while Ordosgoitti hunts for the KO. Prediction: Ioka’s savvy prevails in a decision.
Recent Form
Kazuto Ioka (2-2 in last 4):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method/Notes |
| Jul 6, 2024 | Fernando Martinez | L | UD (115-113, 116-112, 120-108) – Lost IBF/WBA super flyweight titles in unification rematch. |
| Dec 31, 2023 | Fernando Martinez | L | UD – Competitive first meeting, Ioka’s first loss in 3 years. |
| Jun 24, 2023 | Joshua Franco | W | UD – Regained WBA super flyweight title. |
| Dec 31, 2022 | Joshua Franco | D | MD – Title unification draw. |
Ioka has been in high-stakes bouts, showing durability but vulnerabilities against power punchers like Martinez. He’s 2-2-1 in his last 5, with decisions dominating.
Maikel Ordosgoitti (5-0 in last 5):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method/Notes |
| Jun 21, 2025 | Adriel Herrera | W | TKO – Dominant stoppage. |
| Apr 13, 2024 | Luis Guatache | W | TKO Rd 1 – Quick finish. |
| Feb 10, 2024 | Jose Guevara | W | TKO Rd 6 – Overpowered opponent. |
| Dec 15, 2023 | Earlier opponents | W | KO/TKO streak continues. |
| Oct 20, 2023 | Regional foe | W | KO – Part of 14 KO wins. |
Ordosgoitti is on a 14-fight win streak since his 2019 loss, all by stoppage except one. His opponents have been domestic-level, lacking the pedigree of Ioka’s foes.
Fight History
No prior head-to-head meetings. This is their first encounter, with Ioka’s vast experience (36 pro fights) contrasting Ordosgoitti’s relative inexperience (16 bouts). No shared opponents of note, but Ioka’s history against power punchers (e.g., losses to Martinez) could inform Ordosgoitti’s upset path.
Betting Trends
Over/Under leans under (60% bets on Under 9.5), reflecting Ioka’s decision-heavy style (75% of wins by points) and Ordosgoitti’s KO reliance against weaker foes. Trends: Ioka 4-1 in last 5 as heavy favorite; Ordosgoitti 0-1 against ranked opponents (his loss). December NYE fights in Japan trend to decisions (70% in last 10).
FIGHT ODDS
Kazuto Ioka – 1800
Maikel Ordosgoitti + 800
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 30, 2025
