The context mattered more than the opponent. Ioka began back-to-back losses to Fernando Martinez at junior bantamweight, defeats that ended his second reign at 115 pounds and left him winless for two years. For a fighter whose career has been defined by steady progression across divisions, the gap stood out.
The move to 118 pounds was intentional. Ioka weighed a career-high 118 and looked comfortable carrying it. He pushed forward early, stayed balanced and targeted the body with intent. The power he had not shown in recent outings quickly returned.
Ordosgoitti was outmatched. His previous experience outside of Venezuela was limited, and the difference in control was evident from the opening rounds. He struggled to create space and was almost immediately forced into a defensive stance.
Body Shot scores First knockdown
The first knockdown came from a left hook to the body late in the second round. Ordosgoitti beat the score but had little to answer. The pattern is repeated in the fourth. Another left hook landed cleanly. This time Ordosgoitti went down, and his corner asked referee Koji Tanaka to stop the fight.
The shutout was Ioka’s first shutout since a New Year’s Eve win two years earlier. It also restored momentum at a point where questions began to arise about where his career was headed.
The win puts Ioka back in bantamweight title contention, although the WBA picture remains full. Seiya Tsutsumi holds the primary belt. Nonito Donaire is looking for a rematch. Antonio Vargas remains listed as champion in recess with a mandatory window approaching. None of those paths appear immediately.
A WBC title fight against Takuma Inoue remains a possible next step. A potential WBC title fight against Takuma Inoue has been discussed. Both fighters are aligned with Lemino, and the bout has been mentioned in connection with a future Tokyo Dome event. The appeal is as much logistical as it is competitive.
For Ioka, the goal is clear. A bantamweight title would give him a fifth division crown and extend a career already defined by historical standards. Wednesday didn’t answer every question. It did determine that the move up was viable and that the next phase could proceed.
The undercard included a second round stoppage by Daiya Kira, who advanced to a junior flyweight title event.
