Reigning WBC bantamweight world champion Takuma Inoue defends his crown for the first time against Kazuto Ioka on Saturday, as they collide inside the Tokyo Dome.
Fresh off his championship triumph, Inoue is going to be the betting favorite with -225 boxing odds. On the other hand, Ioka will be the +190 betting underdog. A draw result has odds of +1600.
Takuma Inoue vs. Kazuto Ioka Fight Odds
- Takuma Inoue: -225
- Kazuto Ioka: +190
- Tie: +1600
Takuma Inoue vs. Kazuto Ioka: Tale of the Tape
| Takuma Inoue | Kazuto Ioka | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 30 | 37 |
| Height | 5’4½” | 5’4½” |
| Record | 21-2 | 32-4-1 |
| Reach | 64.5 inches | 64.5 inches |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| TKO/KO Percentage | 24% | 53% |
Takuma Inoue vs. Kazuto Ioka: Prediction
My prediction is a decision win for Inoue over Ioka because he has more variety in his punches and is a very good counterpuncher. With Ioka being a notorious body puncher, I think Inoue will be able to time a perfect counter with a looping hook in most of their exchange.
Inoue, though, needs to be wary of the power of Ioka, as he has a stinging punch to the liver and solar plexus. If the defending champion times this attack of the challenger, he’ll be able to beat him to the punch and land the more damaging shot.
Aside from his fantastic counterpunching ability, Inoue will hold the advantage in speed, as he is the younger fighter. Ioka is likely in the sunset of his career and has lost a bit of speed and explosiveness, which is why I think Inoue will connect more clean punches.
Takuma Inoue’s Recent Fight Results
Inoue is the current WBC bantamweight titleholder. He racked up four wins in his last five bouts, as he defeated Liborio Solis, Jerwin Ancajas, Sho Ishida, and Tenshin Nasukawa. His lone defeat during this period was courtesy of Seiya Tsutsumi.
Kazuto Ioka’s Recent Fight Results
Ioka is a four-division boxing world champion. However, in his last five matches, he only recorded three wins (Joshua Franco, Josber Perez, and Maikel Ordosgoitti) and absorbed two losses (both to Fernando Daniel Martinez).
Takuma Inoue vs. Kazuto Ioka: Start Time
May 2, 2 a.m. E.T.
May 2, 1 a.m. C.T.
May 2, 12 a.m., M.T.
May 1, 11 p.m. P.T.
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