World Boxing Organization super flyweight champion Kazuto Ioka of Japan plans to show his superiority over World Boxing Association counterpart Joshua Franco of the United States when they meet on New Year's Eve in a title unification match in Tokyo.
"I want to show I'm on a different level," Ioka said during a press conference Friday in Tokyo, ahead of the match at Ota City General Gymnasium. "I'm motivated just by the fact that this is a unification bout."
The 33-year-old Ioka is confident after about two months of training in Las Vegas, saying he was able to raise his spirit, technique and physical condition and wants fans to see how he has improved.
"I want to stay a strong champion and a strong father," Ioka said.
On July 13 this year, Ioka successfully defended his WBO crown for the fifth time with a unanimous-decision victory over Donnie Nietes of the Philippines. Just days later, his second child was born.
