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Kazuto Ioka unifies world titles in 10th pro fight

Phil D. Jay 
WBN Editor
Japanese fighter adds WBA minimumweight belt to WBC version

Kazuto Ioka has fought just ten times since turning professional in 2009 but is already a unified champion after defeating Akira Yaegashi in a closely-fought contest in Osaka, Japan.

The 23 year-old, who claimed the WBC title at 105lbs in just his seventh bout, overcame a stubborn challenge from Yaegashi, 29, to take the WBA title and place himself in the frame for a place in the WBN P4P Top 50 in the near future.

Yaegashi fought hard when hampered by a swollen eye, but eventually compatriot Ioka’s tenacity shone through and the judges gave him a unanimous decision with cards of 115-113 (twice) and 115-114.

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