Weight cutting has long been an integral part of combat sports, with fighters pushing their bodies to extreme limits to meet their designated weight classes. However, the quest to make weight can sometimes lead to unforeseen consequences, as was the case for Joshua Franco, who lost his WBA super-flyweight title after failing to make weight prior to his championship defense.

Franco is set to fight Kazuto Ioka in Japan to defend his title. However, he has missed weight by quite some margin. In combat sports, weight divisions serve as a means to ensure fair competition and maintain a level playing field. Despite this, sometimes cutting weight can go horribly wrong as we see in the case of Franco.

Will Joshua Franco make it to the championship?

Franco’s failure to make weight on the eve of his championship defense resulted in him being stripped of his WBA super-flyweight belt. While Ioka successfully made weight, Franco’s inability to meet the required limit was in violation of WBA regulations. However, Franco will have another opportunity to weigh in, aiming to meet the limit. If he fails again, the championship will remain vacant.

The impending fight between Franco and Ioka marks a swift reunion for the two fighters. The pair previously fought a 12-round draw in a title unification bout at the same venue on New Year’s Eve. Ioka, previously the WBO super-flyweight champion, relinquished his belt to pursue a rematch against Franco. Now, the stage is set for a compelling showdown, with Ioka now having the chance to claim the WBA super-flyweight title. Moreover, Ioka recently revealed that he wants to prove himself against Franco expressing his dissatisfaction with their previous bout.

Kazuto Ioka: Confident and unfazed by Joshua Franco’s challenge

In a recent interview with The Ring Magazine, the Japanese boxer reflected on their previous bout. Ioka mentioned that he was not satisfied with the result and has spent the past six months preparing for their upcoming clash. However, he also expects a highly competitive and intense fight against Franco, fully aware of his opponent’s capabilities.

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“I have not been satisfied with the result of the last match against Joshua. Even if I had to give up the WBO title, I strongly hoped to have a rematch with him to decide the winner between the two of us.” he said

As the stage is set for this eagerly awaited rematch, both fighters are determined to leave no doubts. With their first encounter ending in a draw, both fighters are fully prepared to claim victory in their upcoming showdown. The rematch promises to be a thrilling spectacle for boxing fans as they eagerly anticipate the conclusion of this rivalry.

What did you think about Franco being stripped off his title after missing weight? Let us know in the comments.

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