Nietes vs. Ioka 2 slated for July

The highly-anticipated rematch between former four-division champion Donnie Nietes and reigning WBO world super flyweight champion Kazuto Ioka has been made official for July 13 at the Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.

Nietes, 43-1-6 with 23 knockouts as a pro, defeated the Japanese via split decision in their first encounter in 2018 to claim the then vacant WBO world super flyweight title. Nietes vacated the title after then went on a three-year hiatus which allowed Ioka to capture the world title.

"This was the fight I wanted the most and I am incredibly eager to win back my world title. I have been in training since February for this fight but I really stepped up my levels when I knew it was confirmed," Nietes said.

"This rematch makes me excited and when I vacated the title in 2018 it was always in my mind that I would, one day, win it back. On July 13, that dream will become a reality."

Nietes, 40, is coming off a draw against Norbelto Jimenez in his last outing in December. Ioka, meanwhile, is on a five-fight winning streak since losing to Nietes and currently holds a record of 28-2 with 15 knockouts.

—MGP, GMA News